The Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) has deployed additional
troops in the Third Division, Karamoja sub-region.
According to the UPDF, the 501 Infantry
Brigade under the command of Colonel Benard Kashemeza is headquartered in
Abuku, Abim district whereas the 81 Infantry Battalion commanded by Maj Stephen
Omonyi which previously operated in Abim was re-adjusted to cover Agago
district.
The deployed brigade was received and
oriented by Col Wilberforce Karate Sserunkuma, the acting deputy 2 Division
Commander and outgoing 405 Brigade Commander.
The deployments follow a recent joint
security assessment of the situation led by Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, the
Deputy Division Commander who pitched camp in the district last month.
The brigade size troops are tasked to conduct
decisive operations to secure Abim district while 81 headquartered at
Labworodwong barracks will take charge of Agago district.
The RDC for Abim James Shilaku, district
leaders and residents have welcomed the new deployments.
Shilaku noted that previously, security
situation in the district was characterised by isolated incidences of murder,
cattle thefts, arson and kidnaps by some criminal elements yet Abim is a
non-raiding community.
The RDC appealed to the residents to
cooperate with security forces in providing timely and accurate information
regarding criminal elements for a prompt response.