Written by Frankline Bwire 2012-07-25 21:10:00 Read 877 Times

A section of the Busia County security and intelligence officers who attended an enhancement and training workshop on small arms and light weapons held in Busia and organised by Kenya National Focal Point.[PHOTO | Frankline Bwire | West Fm]

Busia County Commissioner Joyce Isiakho has implored area residents to work closely with the law enforcement agencies in a bid to fight against illegal trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).

Isiakho said that peace, stability and development would only be achieved if political leaders and members of the public in the area work together with security agencies to stop the proliferation of illicit SALW through the border points and ‘panya’ routes.

She noted that cross border banditry, cattle rustling, armed conflicts amongst communities, car-jacking, increased acts of terrorism and other criminal activities have continued to be fuelled by easy availability of SALW a move she said should be contained.

“The success of all our efforts can only be measured by the levels in which we are able to effect reduction in the evils caused by usage of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons,” said Isiakho, during the establishment and training of Busia County district task forces on SALW.

She added that, “The SALW have also continued to affect education and the economic development of the region, governance process and also resulted into high poverty levels in the area.”

The commissioner emphasized the importance of gender mainstreaming in all peace and security processes including addressing of problems of proliferation of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons.

“We should always endeavor to uphold the spirit of our new constitution by promoting women participation at all levels,”

She also urged the security officers in the County to make proper use of the available facilities to discharge their duties, especially as the country heads towards the next General Election in a bid to witness a peaceful transition of leadership.

“We may not have enough resources to discharge our duties but we should make use of the available ones to serve the public,” said the commissioner, adding that they should remain vigilant despite the extreme difficult circumstances.

Present were District Commissioners from Butula, Funyula, and Teso North District among other dignitaries.

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