The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) has convened a four-day high-level engagement with civil, political and community leaders from the Karamoja sub-region to reinforce peace consolidation efforts and support socio-economic transformation in the area.
The forum, organised by the UPDF's 3 Infantry Division in collaboration with the Directorate of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), brings together district leaders, security officials, and representatives of youth, women and elders from all nine districts of Karamoja.
Opening the meeting in Soroti, the Director of CIMIC, Brig Gen Michael Kibuye, stressed the importance of close cooperation between the military and civilians in sustaining peace efforts.
"As the UPDF, we do not succeed alone. It is through working closely with wananchi, as consistently emphasised by the Commander-in-Chief, that we achieve lasting results," he said.
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The engagement is expected to generate practical strategies aimed at reinforcing stability in Karamoja, a sub-region that has long faced insecurity linked to cattle rustling and armed violence, but which authorities say is now experiencing gradual improvement.
Representing the Division Commander, Deputy Commander of the 3 Infantry Division Brig Gen Allan Kyangungu said the dialogue reflects a shift towards community-driven security management and consolidation of gains made under ongoing military operations.
He commended CIMIC for organising the forum, noting that sustained peace in Karamoja has been achieved through cooperation between security forces and local communities.
"Your presence reaffirms your commitment to peace in the region," he said.
Brig Gen Kyangungu added that the UPDF remains committed to the full stabilisation of Karamoja and preventing a return to insecurity, pointing to growing economic activity as evidence of progress under ongoing peace initiatives, including Operation Usalama Kwa Wote.
The seminar comes at a time when government is seeking to transition Karamoja from a historically volatile sub-region into a more stable and economically productive area through combined security and development interventions.
Participants include brigade commanders, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Chief Administrative Officers, District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), and local government leaders from across Karamoja.
Officials say discussions will focus on improving intelligence sharing, strengthening community policing structures, and enhancing coordination between security agencies and civilian leadership to sustain long-term peace and development.
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Karamoja has in recent years experienced intensified military operations aimed at disarming armed groups and reducing cattle raids, with authorities now increasingly focusing on post-conflict recovery and socio-economic integration.
The UPDF says the engagement is part of its broader civil-military cooperation strategy designed to ensure that security gains translate into lasting development outcomes for communities in the region.
