By Alan Clement
Gang members from various affiliate different groups in Nimule Municipal council have voluntarily surrendered their weapons and renounced violence in a significant step towards stability.
The former gang members handed over pangas and other weapons to Police Inspector Major David Kasmiro of the Nimule Municipality.
Speaking exclusively to No. 1 Citizen Newspaper, Kasimiro confirmed that four distinct gang groups participated in the surrender.
“Four gang groups voluntarily surrendered their weapons to us. They said that there is no need of fighting themselves. They handed over pangas and other items,” Kasimiro said.
He explained that the police granted them amnesty since no formal cases had previously been filed against them, despite their disruptive activities in the community.
“We have given them amnesty because nobody opened a case against them before, but they used to disturb people. They came voluntarily and apologized,” he noted.
Kasimiro also revealed that many of the former gang members requested government support to pursue education, as most of their parents could not afford school fees.
“Some of them asked to be supported to join schools because their parents cannot afford to support them. They asked the government to speak to the school headteachers to allow them join,” Kasimiro told this outlet.
Kasimiro also outlined alternative pathways for those unable or unwilling to pursue education, suggesting integration into government service such as the police or national security services.
“We told them that if they are not willing to join schools, they should join government work like the police or go to national security and join the forces,” he explained.
The Inspector of Police issued a public message to those who have yet to surrender, urging them to follow the example of their peers.
“My message to those who have not surrendered is to embrace peace. Let them join their colleagues because when you stay in peace, you will enjoy. Those who are hiding should come out,” he said.
The state government has pledged full support for the initiative, announcing plans to roll out a conflict reduction project aimed at addressing the root causes of violence and promoting reintegration.
Efforts to reach the Mayor of Nimule Municipal Council for further comment were unsuccessful.