The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has commended the late Reverend Father Don Vittorio Pastori for his contribution to peace and socio-economic development in Karamoja.
Brig Gen Michael Walaka Hyeroba, the Commander of the UPDF 3 Infantry Division, said Fr Pastori’s work demonstrated the importance of peace and security in achieving sustainable development.
Brig Gen Hyeroba made the remarks on Wednesday in Moroto during commemorations marking 32 years since the death of Fr Pastori, popularly known as “Don Vittorione”, who died on September 2, 1994.
The event, organised by Africa Mission–Cooperation and Development (C&D), brought together religious and political leaders, security officials, community members, youth and staff of the organisation at the Youth Centre Don Vittorio in Moroto Municipality.
“When Don Vittorione came to Karamoja, this region was known for cattle raids and suffering. Gone are the days of cattle raids,” Brig Gen Hyeroba said.
He said the relative peace achieved in Karamoja through disarmament had created an opportunity for communities to pursue sustainable economic development.
“We in the UPDF 3 Division are proud to be associated with C&D,” he said, commending the organisation and other development partners for supporting communities through youth skilling, provision of water and livelihood programmes, particularly for women.
Brig Gen Hyeroba urged young people to reject violence and instead embrace vocational training and other opportunities provided by development organisations.
The Bishop of Moroto Diocese, Rt Rev Damiano Guzzetti, described Fr Pastori as a “commuter of charity between Italy and Africa”, highlighting his missionary and humanitarian work in Uganda.
Bishop Guzzetti said Africa Mission has, since 1982, drilled more than 500 wells in Karamoja, improving access to clean water for communities across the region.
The Moroto Resident District Commissioner, represented by Deputy RDC Mark Aol Musooka, commended C&D for its longstanding contribution to Karamoja’s development.
“We thank Africa Mission-C&D for being a true friend of Uganda. While many NGOs come and go, C&D has stayed for over 50 years. The Government of Uganda recognises the legacy of Don Vittorione, a man who saw human dignity in every Karamojong,” Mr Musooka said.
He urged communities and local leaders to protect development infrastructure established by C&D, particularly boreholes and skills centres.
“Let us not vandalise boreholes. Let us send our children to their skills centres. This is the new Karamoja, not of guns, but of skills and water,” he said.
Moroto Municipality Mayor Mark Sire also praised Fr Pastori for laying a foundation for development in Moroto and the wider Karamoja region.
Mr Sire urged residents to protect and build on the missionary’s legacy and promote hygiene and sanitation in their communities.
He said the municipality was considering naming a road after Fr Pastori in recognition of his contribution to the development of the area.
Fr Pastori founded the Youth Centre Don Vittorio, which pioneered youth-skilling initiatives in Karamoja. He also supported vulnerable communities through water projects and agricultural training aimed at improving livelihoods, peace and stability.
The commemorations included Holy Mass, the Uhuru Cup football tournament, cultural performances, a tailoring exhibition by young mothers and testimonies from former street children who benefited from Africa Mission’s programmes.
The event was attended by Bishop Guzzetti, Africa Mission Uganda Director Fr Egidio Tocalli, Italian volunteers from Piacenza, as well as hundreds of youth and community members.
