A region once synonymous with gunfire, raids, and fear is now echoing with songs of peace, development and massive economic prosperity.

Karamoja, for decades marred by insecurity and bloodshed, has been dramatically transformed under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s disarmament campaign, one of Uganda’s most successful peace initiatives in modern history.

Standing before thousands of jubilant supporters in Moroto on Monday,27th October 2025, President Museveni, who is the NRM Presidential flag bearer said Karamoja’s rebirth is a living testimony to the power of peace and unity championed by the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

“In the past, I would come here and find only ten people because many had fled or were hiding. But today, the population has grown from 190,000 in 1980 to over 1.5 million. That is what peace brings, life, growth, and hope,” Museveni said.

President Museveni and Mama Janet leave Naitakwae grounds in Moroto town. Clip by Ronald Odongo

For years, the Karamojong warriors locally known as karacunas lived by the gun, raiding cattle and clashing with neighbouring communities. The government’s disarmament exercise, launched in the early 2000s, faced fierce resistance but eventually dismantled the cycle of violence that had crippled the sub-region for generations.

Museveni recalled how critics doubted the mission’s success, arguing that Karamoja could never be disarmed while armed groups roamed freely in Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

“Some said it was impossible but we proved them wrong. Through persuasion, unity, and determination, the guns have gone silent,” Museveni recalled.

Today, peace reigns across the plains of Karamoja, roads are busy with traders instead of warriors. Schools and health centres, once abandoned, are filled with children and mothers seeking services. Investors, both local and foreign, are setting up hotels and tourism facilities near the world-renowned Kidepo National Park.

With peace secured, the NRM government has shifted focus to consolidating stability through infrastructure and social services. Major roads such as the Soroti–Moroto–Nakapiripirit highway have opened up trade routes, while electricity has reached towns like Kotido, Karenga, and Kaabong.

The President announced that construction of an international airport in Kidepo is underway to boost tourism and economic growth.

“We want Karamoja to be fully connected to the rest of Uganda and the world,” he said.

Museveni also revealed that 133 of Moroto’s 233 villages now have piped water and that several dams are being rehabilitated to support livestock and agriculture, a key step in transforming pastoral communities into commercial farmers.

Museveni credited the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for playing a decisive role in restoring order and curbing illegal arms trade. However, he cautioned against indiscipline among individuals within the force who might exploit their positions.

“We brought peace because we reject sectarianism. Unity has given Uganda strong institutions that defend peace and protect development,” the President said.president

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, who accompanied the President, urged the people of Karamoja to continue supporting the NRM, saying peace must be protected by strong leadership.

From scattered settlements to thriving trading centres, Karamoja’s story is no longer one of chaos but of recovery and resilience.

The guns that once ruled the land have been replaced by the sound of construction machines, children’s laughter, and the rhythm of economic activity.

“Disarmament was the turning point. Now, it’s time for every family to use this peace to create wealth and secure their future,” he said.

The president continues his campaign trail through Amudat, Nakapiripirit, and Nabilatuk this week.