Kapelebyong district has offered over 200 acres of land to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for the establishment of a military brigade in a move to ensure security and peace in the area.

The decision stemmed from various community appeals to the UPDF to establish a brigade in Amugit Village, Okoboi Parish, Kapelebyong Sub County.

On July 16, 2024, a team from UPDF led by the Deputy Third Division Commander, Brigadier General Karate Wilberforce Sserunkuma, together with the district leadership led by the District Chairperson, Francis Akorikin, RDC, Olinga Otukol, among others, visited the site.

Akorikin said the district is committed to supporting the army in the process of establishing the unit.

According to him, a community meeting to finalize all the necessary documentation will be held on July 18, 2024, for submission to the UPDF.

“This land is free. The Karamojong warriors operate from these bushes, but establishing a brigade in this place will mark an end to cattle rustling, which has posed a serious economic loss to our people,” Akorikin said.

The tour on the land under the scorching sun met ululations from the community residents, who described the establishment of the brigade in Kapelebyong as a strategic solution to the insecurity they have continued to face.

Richard Okiru, the district speaker, urged the community to desist from frustrating the efforts of brigade establishments in the district.
He said the facilities that the brigade comes with will be of great help to many impoverished communities.

“We offered this land for the establishment of an army brigade 10 years ago. We are greatly humbled by the consideration of UPDF to keep our hopes alive,” Okiru said.