Soroti,Uganda – The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, through its 3 Infantry Division and the Directorate of Civil-Military Cooperation, has convened a four-day engagement with community, civil, and political leaders from the Karamoja sub-region.
The seminar, which opened in Soroti, seeks to develop practical strategies to strengthen peace and drive socio-economic development in the region.
Speaking at the opening, CIMIC Director Brig Gen Michael Kibuye stressed that civilian collaboration is critical to UPDF operations.
“As the UPDF, we do not succeed alone. It is through our ideology of working closely with _wananchi_, as consistently emphasised by the President and Commander-in-Chief, that we achieve lasting results,” he said.
Representing Division Commander Brig Gen Allan Kyangungu, the Deputy Commander of the 3 Infantry Division commended CIMIC for organizing the engagement. He noted that the success of _Operation Usalama Kwa Wote_ has been driven largely by support and cooperation from local communities.
“Your presence reaffirms your commitment to peace in the region. It is rare for militaries to sit with civil leaders to openly discuss security matters,” he said.
He added that the 3 Infantry Division remains committed to the full pacification of Karamoja and to preventing a relapse into the insecurity that has historically undermined development. The increasing economic activity in the sub-region, he pointed out, is a clear sign of sustained peace.
The seminar drew a wide range of stakeholders, including brigade commanders, Resident District Commissioners, LC V chairpersons, District Internal Security Officers, and representatives of youth, women, and elders from all nine districts of Karamoja.
