THE army has warned the internally displaced persons (IDPs) living on the border of southern Sudan and Karamoja, currently returning to their homes, against the buying and selling of military hardware.
There has been an influx of guns and other military hardware from southern Sudan and Karamoja into some parts of Acholi sub-region. This is especially so along the border in Agoro and Orom sub-counties in Kitgum district.
The UPDF 5th Division public relations officer, Lt. Deo Akiki, said in a press release on Wednesday it was illegal for civilians to carry military hardware.
He added that they had deployed troops along the border to check arms trafficking.
“We are committed to fighting all forms of arms trafficking rackets. We shall ensure that the north is free of illegal arms and unexploded ordinances left behind as a result of the LRA insurgency,” he said.
Security sources said the guns come from Sudan and Karamoja, mainly on market days.
Illegal arms in the hands of the IDPs may become another source of insecurity as others may use them to revenge against those whom they suspect to have killed their loved ones during the conflict, Akiiki added.
He said 2007 was largely peaceful because of the cooperation of civilians. “We promise the public even more peace in 2008. The peace so far attained is moving from a relative one to a sustainable one,” Akiiki said.
He added that over 98% of the IDPs in Lango sub- region had returned home from the camps and that those in Chua county, Kitgum district had also gone home and some camps decongested into smaller settlements.
“In Lamwo county, over 80,222 residents have resettled with 13,635 IDPs especially those along the Sudan-Uganda border moving to smaller camps near their homes. In Pader, all the 31 camps have been decongested into 163 small camps," Akiki revealed.
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