By Senior commanders from Uganda’s joint security forces and political leaders from across the Teso Sub-region have pledged to consolidate peace and drive development efforts in the area
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This commitment was made during a regional security and stakeholders’ meeting held at Teso College Aloet in Soroti City. The forum brought together security leaders and district officials from Kumi, Bukedea, Amuria, Katakwi, Kapelabyong, and Soroti City to assess the security situation and chart a way forward for sustained stability.
Brig Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3rd Infantry Division, hailed the region’s role in overcoming previous insurgencies and urged leaders to remain vigilant.
“I urge you to reflect on our responsibilities, consolidate security gains, and preserve peace to enable development in Teso,” Brig Gen Sserunkuma said. “Any failure to implement government programs becomes a security failure.”
He credited improved regional security to the recent deployment of the 1 Usalama Brigade in Serere and surrounding districts, which has disrupted criminal networks such as the “Owokwok” group. He encouraged local communities to partner with security agencies through grassroots platforms like community barazas to combat crime more effectively.
Mr. Chemutai James Small, the Acting Soroti Resident City Commissioner, described the city’s security status as stable, with only minor isolated incidents. He welcomed the meeting as a timely opportunity to align security priorities with upcoming political events, including elections.
“The inclusive and proactive approach by the 3rd Infantry Division and its partners is commendable. It fosters cohesion and readiness as we approach the election season,” Chemutai said.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Francis Chemusto, the Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), reported that the ongoing Usalama Kwa Wote operation has resulted in the recovery of illegal firearms, ammunition, and stolen livestock. He also cited gains from enforcing Executive Order No. 3 of May 23, which includes crackdowns on waragi and other contraband in Karamoja and bordering districts.
ACP Saiga Ibrahim, the East Kyoga Regional Police Commander, underscored the role of intelligence-led policing in reducing urban crime. He confirmed plans for the deployment of new command vehicles to reinforce policing at the sub-county level.
Judicial officers also weighed in on strengthening justice systems. Chief Magistrate Hilda Bakanansa emphasized efficient justice delivery, while Nyanzi Gladys, the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions for Soroti, called for strong coordination between investigators and prosecutors to build solid cases.
The meeting concluded with a set of resolutions aimed at enhancing regional security coordination, improving service delivery, and accelerating socio-economic transformation in Teso.
Among the notable attendees were Resident District Commissioners and LC5 Chairpersons from the six sub-regions, Col Allan Kyangungu, Deputy Division Commander; Col Juddy Rukubya, Commander of the 1 Usalama Brigade; ACP Ronald Kalali, Mid-Eastern Regional Prisons Commander; Deputy Mayor Ipagi Juliet; Kapelabyong CAO Oroma Rhoda; and other key judicial and security officials.
