An update report by the UN human rights agency on Uganda’s northeastern Karamoja region highlights efforts by the Ugandan military to improve its human rights record there. In reports released in November 2006 and April 2007 UN human rights chief Louise Arbour brought attention to pervasive violence in the area and human rights abuses committed by the Ugandan military’s forcible disarmament programme in Karamoja. However, the report also noted continued human rights abuses committed by both the military and illegally armed civilians, as well as an increase in cattle rustling. Instability and cattle rustling in Karamoja has also spilled over into northern Uganda, causing displacement and slowing recovery efforts there.

The report recommends a strengthened civilian judicial structure, further efforts to end impunity within military ranks, deployment of human rights monitors and an increase in development aid in Karamoja to build on security gains and address root causes of violence.