Get Guardian on GoogleThe Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs will interface with legislators from Teso, Karamoja, Sebei, Lango and Acholi sub regions to resolve the rampant cattle theft.
Chairing plenary on Thursday, 03 March 2022, Deputy Speaker Anita Among was cognisant of the ongoing pockets of insecurity marred by rampant cattle thefts that has resulted in the loss of lives.
She added: “Let us get a lasting solution for whatever is happening in Karamoja, Teso, Sebei, Lango and Acholi and this solution can be found by ourselves – we do not need external people.”
Consequently, the first security meeting between the committee and MPs is scheduled for Friday, 04 March 2022 at 2.00pm in the Parliament Conference Hall.
Army representative in Parliament and also Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, was nominated to provide leadership for the duration of the assignment.
Hon Joseph Ssewungu (NUP, Kalungu West County) cautioned Elwelu against taking a militaristic approach in resolving issues of insecurity in the affected regions.
“I pray that Gen. Elwelu goes to those areas in capacity of MP not a full General; his record in Kasese is not so good – he commanded so badly and I pray that he does not loose his cool in Karamoja, otherwise we might get another disaster,” Ssewungu said.
Among guided that Lt. Gen. Elwelu, also a member of the defence committee, is the right person to lead the team.
In November 2016, Elwelu, who was then 2nd Division Commander commanded the army that overrun the Rwenzururu Palace in Kasese district.
After the committee interface with area MPs, there are plans by the Deputy Speaker to dispatch a team to the ground to engage the locals.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
