Kasese District Agitating For Arming Village Vigilantes To Curb ADF

By Ivan Kaahwa

In the district of Kasese, a deep rift has emerged among the local populace regarding the arming of village vigilantes to counter the persistent menace of ADF remnants in their midst. The district has been marred by incidents where suspected ADF remnants have unleashed terror, resulting in the loss of lives among both locals and tourists.

An ambiance of determination is evident among the residents, as they passionately advocate for the reinstatement of armed village vigilantes. They perceive this as a direct and immediate solution to wipe out the looming threat that has cast a shadow of fear over their lives. Local lower government representatives, district leaders, army commanders, and even the ICT State Minister in charge of National Guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga, have all been engaged in a series of meetings where this demand has been frequently voiced.

However, amidst the charged atmosphere, the Minister of State for National Guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga, emerges as a voice of caution and reason. He staunchly advises against immediate arming, advocating instead for the power of collaboration in ensuring community safety. His counsel rests on the belief that a united front and coordinated efforts hold the key to tackling the menace effectively.

Amidst these debates, the narrative gains depth through the perspective of Oken Christopher, a former village vigilante. He sheds light on their extensive training period, which spanned six months and involved rigorous military drills conducted by the police and, later, the UPDF. Oken emphasized the importance of arming these vigilantes, citing past success stories where their local intelligence played a pivotal role. According to him, armed vigilantes, equipped with the right training, could serve as a robust line of defense, reporting incidents to the police and even partaking in joint operations to neutralize threats like the ADF.

Contrastingly, there are dissenting voices among the residents who advocate for an alternative approach. They propose the enhancement of manpower in vulnerable territories, believing that empowering the local forces could serve as a deterrent against the ADF remnants. The District RDC Lieutenant, Joe Walusimbi, echoes this sentiment, assuring the community that Kasese is peaceful. He maintains that the district possesses adequate manpower to contain any emergency situation that might arise.

As a proactive measure, there is a concerted effort to establish police posts in all sub-counties of Kasese. Furthermore, a toll-free number has been made available, aligning with a presidential directive and enabling direct communication with the authorities. This multifaceted discourse reveals the complex dynamics and varied perspectives within the Kasese community as they grapple with the pressing need for security in the face of a looming threat. Further still, the rebels infiltrating the communities have even made the situation more complex to deal with, hence the justification for the frequent Wanachi-government meetings.