The President of the Republic of Uganda Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has renewed calls for the total disarmament of the Karamoja sub-region, saying the proliferation of illegal guns has continued to fuel killings and insecurity in the region.
Speaking at the Karamoja cultural festival 2026 in Moroto, H.E. the President said the continued possession of firearms by cattle rustlers and criminal gangs has undermined peace efforts and derailed development in the sub-region.
He told the gathering that guns had fuelled killings and insecurity in the region and it’s time to end that cycle of violence if Karamoja is to develop,
He however commended women in Karamoja for their pivotal role in peace-building, revealing that their community-led initiatives had led to the recovery of more than 41,000 guns.
President Museveni said the involvement of women demonstrates that sustainable peace must include all members of the community, not just security agencies.
He also urged Karimojong communities to preserve positive cultural values, particularly discipline and strong family ties, while abandoning retrogressive practices that no longer serve society.
According to the President, culture should be a pillar for development, not an obstacle.
The Karamoja sub-region, which comprises nine districts in north-eastern Uganda, has for decades struggled with insecurity linked to armed cattle rustling, cross-border raids with Kenya and South Sudan, and inter-clan conflicts.
Despite several government-led disarmament operations since 2001, the region continues to experience sporadic gun violence.
