Overview:
The free movement of people and goods across these borders has facilitated the influx of weapons. The border stretches from Amudat through Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong, and Karenga is particularly porous, allowing communities from neighboring countries to enter Karamoja illegally.
Porous borders between Karamoja and its neighboring countries, Kenya and South Sudan, are hampering efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit firearms in the region. According to a report from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), 60 percent of guns recovered from warriors in Karamoja originate from South Sudan, while 40 percent come from Kenya.
The free movement of people and goods across these borders has facilitated the influx of weapons. The border stretches from Amudat through Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong, and Karenga is particularly porous, allowing communities from neighboring countries to enter Karamoja illegally.
Brig Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, UPDF 3rd Division Commander, said the army has increased vigilance at the border to manage the movement of Turkana cattle keepers who may be bringing in illicit firearms. “The communities have also been closely monitoring the entry of Turkana pastoralists and reporting their possession of illegal guns to the authorities for further action,” Gen Sserunkuma acknowledged.
He, however, noted that the challenges are significant and called for a collective effort from local leaders, communities, and security forces to manage cross-border movement effectively. The UPDF has recovered thousands of firearms in recent years: 207 in 2021, 515 in 2022, 338 in 2023, 174 in 2024, 150 in 2025, and 12 within the first two months of 2026.
These operations have also led to arrests and prosecutions, although 2025 saw no prosecutions due to non-functional court martials. The army says court martials will resume this year, starting with arrests from last year. However, human rights activists have raised concerns over alleged violations during disarmament operations.
Dorcus Angom of Riam Riam Civil Society Network claimed that some officers have undressed individuals wrapped in traditional sheets and burned them without justification. She said these actions violate individuals’ rights to privacy. Angom urged the UPDF to publicize the office that links civilians and security forces, enabling the community to report misconduct during ongoing disarmament programs.
Gen Sserunkuma responded that officers found violating human rights will face prosecution and encouraged the public to report errant personnel to the civil-military cooperation office.Francis Chemusto, Anti-Stock Theft Unit Commandant, said his team works closely with human rights activists to prevent violations during operations. He noted that officers undergo regular human rights training and, since its introduction, no violations have been officially registered.
The security situation in Karamoja remains relatively calm, but authorities maintain vigilance, with the UPDF committed to securing the borders despite the challenges.
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