By Richard Onapatum
Security operatives and the community in Karamoja bid a heartfelt farewell to Lt. Col. Frank Mutabazi, the outgoing Regional Internal Security Officer (RISO), at a colorful event organized by various stakeholders. The farewell took place at Travellers Corner Bar and Restaurant, where attendees enjoyed refreshments and nyama choma.
Sergeant Ongom Godfrey Lodwe, the proprietor of Travellers Corner Bar and Restaurant, expressed his gratitude to the security personnel and the outgoing RISO for their collaboration. “Allow me a moment to thank my RISO. He was an excellent supervisor and very approachable,” said Ongom, highlighting Lt. Col. Mutabazi’s down-to-earth nature.
Senior Superintendent of Police Godfrey Achiria, the Regional Police Commander (RPC) for Kidepo, who also chaired the organizing committee, shared his appreciation for the event, calling it a dream come true. “When I was first posted to Kidepo, my handover/takeover party was held in the barracks with only ten people,” Achiria recalled. He noted that upon taking charge, he reached out to stakeholders to elevate such events, starting with the handover for Deputy RPC SSP Lameck Kigozi, who was posted to Police Headquarters.
Achiria commended Lt. Col. Mutabazi for his professional approach and for fostering teamwork, which helped stabilize the situation in Karamoja. He urged the incoming RISO to continue pacifying the region to achieve lasting peace, and expressed his desire to work with Lt. Col. Mutabazi again in the future.
Lokiru Paul Lawuda, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) of Karenga, who represented his counterparts, quoted a song by Lady Kuku that resonated with the work done by Lt. Col. Mutabazi. He welcomed the new RISO and promised full cooperation to achieve shared goals.
LC5 Chairperson of Kotido, Lotee Paul Komol, popularly known as “Kacheri Boy,” expressed his deep gratitude to Lt. Col. Mutabazi, whom he referred to as a brother. “We slept in the bushes together to fight cattle rustling. What a man—I will miss him,” Komol said, praising the security operatives for their collaborative efforts to deliver on the NRM’s agenda.
In his farewell speech, Lt. Col. Frank Mutabazi, who is now posted to Kigezi, noted that when he first arrived in Karamoja, such events were unheard of. He thanked the committee for organizing the handover/takeover party and expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of his team, particularly the UPDF, for their hard work and cooperation. He urged the new RISO to remain vigilant and ensure that rearmament does not take place, emphasizing the importance of identifying armed individuals to maintain peace.
Mutabazi called on “Kacheri Boy” to lead the fight against rearmament, stressing that development is impossible without security. “Tell those young men and boys that we cannot develop when there is insecurity. Nobody will invest where security is not guaranteed,” he said, expressing his happiness at returning home with his new posting.
The incoming RISO, Captain Winyi, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and shared his contact information to facilitate quick accessibility. He requested the same guidance and support given to his predecessor.
Deputy RDC Joel Magezi Lokiru Lukochi praised the organizing committee, particularly RPC Achiria, for their efforts. “Because of the relative peace, one can now celebrate in Karamoja,” he noted. Lokiru Lukochi also commended Lt. Col. Mutabazi for his self-driven nature and his contributions to peace in the region, and he welcomed the new RISO to Karamoja.
The Guest of Honour, Brigadier General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, Deputy Commander of the 3rd Division, appreciated the tireless efforts of the organizing committee, the 405 Brigade, and the GISOs. He credited their cooperation with his own promotion and appointment and thanked Lt. Col. Mutabazi for their time spent working together, wishing him the best in Kigezi.
Brigadier General Sserunkuma emphasized that the peace in Karamoja has been hard-earned, with many sacrifices made along the way. He urged everyone to work together to ensure that this peace is preserved and encouraged the incoming RISO to maintain the high standards set by his predecessor. He also jokingly asked Ongom to organize a farewell party for himself as well, stressing the importance of teamwork and spreading the message of peace.
