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By Cinderella Atenyo-Moroto
It was a busy day yesterday, under the scourging sun as the Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF held several activities, giving back to the community through their community-focus aimed at promoting unity and social economic transformation in the Municipality.
The activities which included cleaning of the municipality, market, hospital, bus terminal and launching Boda-boda shades at the Bus Terminal and Campswahili were a deliberate step intended to promote cleanliness, responsibility, and economic empowerment led by the UPDF 3rd Division in Moroto, in partnership with the community and local leaders.
Speaking to the press, Maj. Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma the 3 Division Commander stated that the strategy allows individual celebrations and that it is UPDF culture and the day they remember the contributions of the core civilians support because UPDF/NRA came from civilians.
“UPDF achievement speaks for itself and that is Security in Karamoja, it’s worth celebrating,” Maj Gen Sserunkuma said.
Simon Peter Korobe, the chairperson of the Moroto Boda Boda Association, said the army had supported them by constructing two boda boda stages within the municipality, which he termed as a significant achievement.
Iriama Suzan Nakiru, a market vendor at Moroto main Market who relies on boda boda for her daily movements said she used to stand in the open heat waiting, feeling dizzy sometimes but with these shades, it’s comfortable and safe.
Sylvia Korobe, a student of Moroto Parents Secondary School said that the wait feels shorter now, and she will be protected from the harsh weather due to the big relief extended by the UPDF.
Adome Francis Lorika, the incumbent Member of Parliament and National Resistance Movement(NRM) party Flag bearer Moroto Municipality, appreciated the UPDF for reaching a professional level in working closely with the community saying that wanainchi have as well appreciated and ready to support National Resistance Movement (NRM) for the peace ,development and achievements in the Karamoja Sub-region.
Meanwhile Mohammed Ismail, the Mayor Moroto Municipality urged people to reflect on the history and prioritize unity, and build a better future for Karamoja and Uganda at large. Ismail commended the collaboration between the UPDF and the community, saying it reflects shared commitment to peace, development, and mutual cooperation.
Last month, more than 3,000 residents of the Karamoja sub-region received free medical treatment during a multi – day healthcare camp organised by 3 Infantry Division of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF). The outreach, part of nationwide activities ahead of the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary to be marked in Kabale District, was launched to provide services in remote communities.
Maj Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, said the initiative specifically targeted elderly and vulnerable citizens on the ground that they are not able to travel although other cases were also handled. He said such efforts strengthen civil-military cooperation and support the broader ‘Usalama Kwa Wote’ security operation, which he credited with restoring peace and enabling new development in Karamoja and its neighboring districts.
Moroto District Local Chairperson V, David Koryang, praised the UPDF’s intervention, particularly for the Tepeth community, which faces significant healthcare challenges due to accessibility problems caused by ragged terrain.
“The effort by the UPDF to offer these medical services cannot be taken for granted,” Hon. Koryang stated.
According to the camp’s lead physician, Private Dr Auki Andrew, the mobile team began operations in Karenga on 5 December. Tarehe Sita is a historic day that marks the beginning of the NRA/UPDF struggle for peace, freedom, and national liberation. This year, Moroto District commemorated this important day through community-focused activities aimed at promoting unity and socio-economic transformation.
The Tarehe sita activities and preparations are on till 6th day of February. Under, theme: Defending the gains of the revolution and honoring the freedom fighters; a call for national unity, peace, and socio-economic transformation.
