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By Calvin Loyas Ochen
There is heightened security in Abim District on the first day of Karamoja Cultural gala that’s schedule to kick off today Tuesday 30th-03rd September 2022 as several guests keep arriving from various destinations into the region for the long awaited event that was cut short by the two year Covid-19 lockdown.
According to a top security officer who spoke to KaramojaNews on condition of anonymity since he’s not allowed to speak to media, they have set up four security checkpoints from the main gate into the venue and set up constant foot and motorised patrols maning surrounding areas.
At least 2 police officers backed by between 3 and 5 soldiers are meaning each checkpoint. The officers are searching vehicles and people accessing the cultural venue to detect any possible dangers of wrong doers, who may sneak into the venue with explosives or harmful objects.
According to Cosmas James Okidi the district commercial officer Abim, they resolved in the last preparatory meeting to increase security around the District because they expect high-profile visitors from nearby Countries like Kenya and South Sudan but also for safety of those who will attend the event.
Hon Yuventine Omara, the Lc 5 chairperson of Abim, says that the heavy deployment around the District is to secure visitors and make them not fear anything during the cultural celebration. He says that during their preparatory meeting they had planned for about 10.000 people but the number might increase due to the deployment.
Mr. Alfons Onoria the Residents District Commissioner-RDC, says the heavy deployment is to maintain peace and order during the cultural event. He urged the local people who are not used to soldiers using Kiswahili and English not to fear but relate with forces freely and share any information about the presence of any wrong subjects who may threaten the peace of the people at the event.
Michael Longole, Karamoja regional spokesperson assured the people who are coming to celebrate the Karamoja Culture not to have any doubt because deployments have been put in all hotspots and the forces will always be on standby.
He however added that they are aware of the insecurities in Karamoja especially Abim which has been targetted by armed Karimojong warriors while on their way to the raiding missions in the neighbouring districts. Longole siad since deployment was heightened, the situation in Karamoja and Abim have normalised and as such people can attend the event at peace and in any number.
