The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, in collaboration with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division, has launched a mass livestock spraying exercise in Karamoja aimed at protecting animals against diseases and safeguarding pastoral livelihoods.
The exercise, implemented through the ministry’s Department of Entomology, covered five parishes of Lokial, Kocholo, Nakitemiet, Kumet and Sangar, as well as Kawalakol, Nasapewae and Kapedo sub-counties.
The programme was launched by the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, John Baptist Lokii, alongside the Commander of the UPDF 3 Infantry Division, Brig Gen Michael Walaka Hyeroba, in Kumet Village, Kumei Parish, Sangar Sub-county, Karenga District.
Lokii commended residents for turning up in large numbers with their livestock, describing the exercise as an important intervention in protecting animals and supporting pastoral livelihoods.
He also commended the President for providing the free spraying exercise and urged communities across Karamoja to resolve disputes peacefully.
The minister further called on Karenga District officials to undertake household registration to enable government to obtain accurate population data for effective planning and service delivery.
Brig Gen Hyeroba said community participation was critical in combating cattle theft and restoring lasting peace in the region, noting that livestock remained the main source of livelihood for many households in Karamoja.
“The thieves who are stealing our animals come from within us and from far. Report those wrong elements so that they are flushed out of the community. Don’t live or cohabit with thieves. Report them so that they can be arrested and face the long arm of the law,” Brig Gen Hyeroba said.
The Minister of Ethics and Integrity and Karenga District Woman Member of Parliament, Rose Lilly Akello, warned individuals against attempting to commercialise the exercise, emphasising that it was a free government programme.
“Report anyone who tries to ask for money from you. The acaricides are free, and the veterinary personnel are catered for,” Akello said.
After the launch, the delegation held separate security meetings with the Napore community in Karenga, the Dodoth community in Kaabong and residents of Kapedo Sub-county to discuss security concerns.
Additional engagements were held at Kapedo Town Centre and Mogos Village in Karenga District.
During the meetings, leaders urged communities to promote peaceful coexistence and resolve disputes through established government and local structures.
Brig Gen Hyeroba reiterated that community cooperation was essential for effective security operations, saying the army could not achieve its mandate without support from residents.
“UPDF is not enough in itself to manage its duties without community support. I request your timely information, support and cooperation. Identify the collaborators and report them to security in time before they cause mayhem,” he said.
He also warned residents against illegal possession of firearms, stressing that keeping unlicensed guns was a criminal offence.
“I urge you to voluntarily hand over weapons in your possession. If security finds you with a weapon, you will face the law,” Brig Gen Hyeroba said.
