Ugandan authorities yesterday released 11 Turkana herders arrested five months ago for possession of firearms.
A team from the County Government Directorate of Peace Building and a host of elected MCAs were in Moroto for the official reception of the released Turkana herders at Three Division HQ in Moroto.
Director for Peace Building Geoffrey Apedor who led the delegation expressed gratitude to the Uganda Government for their hospitality and for agreeing to release the herders.
Senior security officers present included UPDF Representative Maj. Michael Obella and Kenya Liaison Officer Maj. Abdullah Kalicha.
“We are committed to peace and we will carry out sensitization for Turkana pastoralists on the importance of peacefully coexistence with our hosts and the observance of Uganda laws,” Director Apedor said.
He emphasized that the County Government was committed to the crossborder peace programme and highlighted the efforts of Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai in reaching out to the Ugandan Government to promote peaceful co-existence of border communities.
Director Apedor also acknowledged the efforts of Maj. Kalicha, the Kenya Liaison Officer, for his contributions in fostering a cordial working relationship between the two governments.
He said that Turkana County has a plan to promote peaceful co-existence among the neighbouring communities through implementation of provision of the Turkana County Peace Building and Conflict Management Act (2021) and forming of peace committees for the purpose of better planning and coordination.
Maj. Obella insisted on the importance of observation of laws for peace within the East Africa Community.
Lokiriama/Lorengippi MCA Lawrence Lopayo thanked the County Government for efforts to secure the release of the pastoralists and promised to sensitize the community on the dangers of carrying illegal firearms.
Letea MCA Francis Ng’imusia urged the two governments to find alternative methods to address cattle rustling.
In attendance was Chief for Lokiriama Tioko Sammy who represented the National Government and Director for LOKADO Augustine Kai.
