By Richard Onapatum
Kotido, Uganda- Kotido district on Sunday hosted a heartfelt farewell party for the outgoing 405 Brigade commander, Col. David Byaruhanga, also known as Apa Lobokoli.
The event, held at Travellers Corner Bar and Restaurant, was filled with nyama choma, refreshments, and a spirit of camaraderie.
Sergeant Ongom Lodwee warmly welcomed the attendees, urging everyone to embrace peace and maintain order. “Let’s all work together to maintain the peace and order that we have achieved,” he said.
Major Owor, Brigade Logistics Officer and chairperson of the organizing committee, thanked everyone for their cooperation and encouraged them to emulate the leadership qualities they had learned from Col. Byaruhanga.
“We have learned so much from Col. Byaruhanga. Let us continue to uphold the values and lessons he has imparted to us,” he stated.
The Speaker Kotido Lodio Emmanuel praised Col. Byaruhanga for his strong relationships and the prevailing peace in the region, attributing it to the efforts of the men in uniform. “Before the police and military came in, we used to live in fear. Now, because of their efforts, we have peace,” he said.
He also thanked the president for the transfers, including the incoming commander, Lt. Col. Gustavo Mugarura, and acknowledged the tireless efforts of the local council (LC3).
Father, a community leader, expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the forces and the local community, particularly the Karachuna and Wanainchi. “We are grateful for the close cooperation between the forces and our community. It has brought us peace and development,” he said. He commended Col. Byaruhanga for his resilience and pledged to work closely with the forces to bring sanity to Karamoja. He also urged the government to transform the Karachuna into money-making ventures, emphasizing that peace in Kotido ensures peace in the entire region.
Emmanuel Kafeereka, Commanding Officer of the 43rd Battalion, expressed remorse while thanking Col. Byaruhanga for his selfless service. “Col. Byaruhanga has been a dedicated leader, always putting the security of our country first. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” he said.
He wished the incoming commander the best and highlighted the importance of cooperation between civilians and the military, likening their relationship to water and fish.
He urged school-going Karimojong to use their knowledge to develop the region.
Riso Karamoja North thanked everyone for their attendance and emphasized the importance of peace and unity. “Let us take every moment as an opportunity to learn and grow together.
The army and the community are strategic allies and partners,” he said. He appealed to the community to consolidate peace by working together and warmly welcomed Lt. Col. Mugarura, encouraging him to surpass his predecessor’s achievements.
SSP Godfrey Achiria, Regional Police Commander for Kidepo, thanked the officers who witnessed the handover ceremony. He praised Col. Byaruhanga as a team player, hardworking officer, and patriot.
“Col. Byaruhanga has been a true patriot and a dedicated officer. We will continue to build on the foundation he has laid,” he said. He pledged cooperation and teamwork to ensure safety and security during the festive season.
In his farewell speech, Col. Byaruhanga thanked everyone for their support and urged the Karachuna to return their guns for the sake of development in Karamoja. “We need development in Karamoja. Let’s return the guns and enjoy the peace. Investors will come, and we will all benefit,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of peace and appealed to the community to stop cattle raids. “Don’t sell cows to buy guns. We need to focus on development and peace,” he added.
He expressed his love for Kotido and Karamoja and thanked the leaders for their mobilization efforts.
Lt. Col. Gustavo Mugarura, the incoming brigade commander, assured the community of his commitment to serving and working for them. “I am here to serve you and work with you. I believe in sharing information and cooperation,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of sharing information and cooperation, stating that peace is essential for progress. “Peace is sweet. Without peace, we cannot achieve anything,” he added.
He called for combined support to ensure security and promised to do his best in case of any incidents.
Mrs Judith Namoe, Peace Coordinator of the Karachuna, thanked Col. Byaruhanga for his timely intervention during challenging times in Kotido and Kaabong. “Col. Byaruhanga’s leadership has been a great blessing to us. He was always ready and prepared to help,” she said.
She hailed his leadership and appreciated him with 1M and welcomed Lt. Col. Mugarura, urging him to listen to the cries of the Wanainchi. “We hope that the new commander will continue to listen to our concerns and work with us to maintain peace,” she added.
Brigadier General Karate Sserunkuma, the chief guest, thanked the people of Kotido for their support in maintaining peace. “We need to bring up our children to be useful citizens. If parents are not supportive, we will take action,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of compulsory education and promised to allocate resources to Kotido. “Kotido will be our priority in resource allocation,” he added.
He urged the community to support the incoming brigade commander and to supervise themselves in economic activities. “Let’s work together to build a better future for Kotido,” he concluded.
The farewell party for Col. David Byaruhanga was a testament to his impactful leadership and the strong bonds formed between the military and the community.
As Kotido welcomes Lt. Col. Gustavo Mugarura, the community remains hopeful for continued peace and development in the region.