The government has stepped up efforts to protect livestock in Karamoja through a mass spraying campaign, as authorities seek to safeguard the animals that sustain thousands of pastoral households in the region.
The exercise, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), through its Department of Entomology, in partnership with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division, is intended to protect animals against disease and strengthen livestock production.
The campaign covers five parishes of Lokial, Kocholo, Nakitemiet, Kumet and Sangar, as well as Kawalakol and Nasapewae sub-counties and Kapedo Sub-county.
The programme was launched in Kumet Village, Kumei Parish, Sangar Sub-county in Karenga district by the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, John Baptist Lokii, and the Commander of the UPDF 3 Infantry Division, Brig Gen Michael Walaka Hyeroba.
Lokii thanked residents for turning up with their animals, describing the intervention as an important measure to protect livestock and sustain pastoral livelihoods.
He credited President Museveni for providing the free spraying exercise and urged communities to abandon violence and resolve disputes peacefully.
The minister also tasked Karenga district officials with registering households to provide government with reliable population data for planning and service delivery.
However, the exercise also provided an opportunity for security leaders to address cattle theft and the proliferation of illegal firearms, which continue to threaten stability in the region.
Hyeroba urged residents to expose individuals involved in cattle theft, warning that communities should not shield criminals at the expense of their livelihoods.
“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,” Hyeroba said.
Livestock remains the main source of livelihood for many households in Karamoja, making cattle theft a major economic and security concern.
The Minister of Ethics and Integrity, who is also Karenga Woman MP, Rose Lilly Akello, cautioned residents against individuals seeking to exploit the programme by charging them for the spraying services.
She emphasised that both the acaricides and veterinary personnel had been provided for by government, meaning residents should not pay to have their animals sprayed.
“Report anyone who tries to ask for money from you. The acaricides are free, and the veterinary personnel are catered for,” Akello said.
Following 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.
Further engagements were held at Kapedo Town Centre and Mogos Village in Karenga district, where leaders called for peaceful coexistence and urged communities to resolve disputes through established government and local structures.
Hyeroba said security agencies could not effectively discharge their responsibilities without cooperation from residents, particularly through timely sharing of intelligence.
“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, urging those holding unlicensed weapons to surrender them voluntarily.
“I urge you to voluntarily hand over weapons in your possession. If security finds you with a weapon, you will face the law,” Hyeroba said.
