5th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Keith Katungyi Lauded for Transformative Work Across Acholi and Lango
5th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Keith Katungyi Lauded for Transformative Work Across Acholi and Lango sub-regions.
By Okidi Patrick
The communities of Lango and Acholi belt are singing a different tune due to the return of peace in the area. Since taking command of the 5th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Keith Katungyi has been commended and lauded for transformative work across East Acholi and Lango sub-region. After he was deployed to the area by H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda, as the commander of 5th Infantry Division in May 2023, Maj. Gen. Keith Katungyi has been credited with a wave of “positive changes” that many say have reshaped daily life for the residents of the Acholi and Lango sub‑regions.
Okwir Mohamed , one of the leaders of Adilang sub-county, recently described the current peace at border sub-counties of Agago, Kitgum, Abim and Lamwo, as a key and real contribution of 5th Infantry Div.Commander Maj. Gen. Keith Katungyi.
In a recent interview, with the Media, the commander confirmed that the division’s jurisdiction “covers parts of East Acholi including Lamwo , Kitgum, Pader, Agago and Abim District in Karamoja sub – region.” He added that his team’s focus has been on “security, community partnership, sustainable development and discipline of the UPDF ,”
According to another person in Corner Kilak, Pader sub-county, Maj. Gen. Keith Katungyi has restored Peace, one District at a Time.
Within two years, the 5th infantry Division under Katungyi’s leadership has overseen a marked decline in violent incidents across the districts of Agago, Kitgum, Pader, Lamwo, Otuke, Alebtong, Amolatar, Lira,Lira city, Oyam, Kole, Apac, Dokolo, Kwania and Abim. Local elders attribute the calm to “quick response teams of the patriotic UPDF,” regular patrols and “joint operations with community watch groups,” all coordinated from the division headquarters in Acholpii under the leadership of a vibrant young man in the name of Maj Gen. Keith Katungyi.
Mzee Okot Edwin Mwanga, a respected elder of Lira Palwo Town Council, praised
“Maj. Gen. Katungyi as a kind‑hearted leader who treats civilians with respect and solidarity. He listens, he acts, and he brings peace to our homes.”
Ogwang Mike of Abuk town council in Labwor county, Abim district congratulated Gen. Katungyi for implementing executive order concerning illegal Charcoal Trade.
One of the commander’s most visible campaigns has been the crackdown on illegal charcoal sales—a practice that fuels deforestation and undermines local economies. Acting on presidential directives, Katungyi ordered “charcoal sweep operations” across the region, deploying UPDF officers in road locks to enforce compliance with environmental regulations.
Recently, the division disposed off and distributed “free charcoal” to thousands of vulnerable women in Lira city, a gesture described by 5th Div. Commander as giving back to vulnerableones or households struggling to heat and cook during the cold season.”
Tackling cattle rustling on the Karimojong border,
The suspected Jie Karimojong cattle‑rustling raids that once plagued border communities such as Adilang, Paimol, Lapono, Lacekoto, Orom, Omiya Pacwa and Akilok areas have been sharply curtailed. Joint patrols coordinated with local authorities and the ‘wanahinchi’ groups have led to a “total reduction” in rustling incidents.
Honouring those who served and retires, recently Maj. Gen. Katungyi hosted a ceremony for 191 retirees from the 5th Infantry Division’s Acholpii Division Headquarters whereby the retirees praised his “friendly demeanor” and the “dignified farewell” the commander ensured, noting that the event fostered a sense of belonging even after service.
“He made our retirement moment a great one,” said one former soldier, who asked to remain anonymous. “He treated us like family.”
Media Relations and community engagement is excellent in that, the commander has cultivated a reputation as “a good friend of journalists or the 4th estate ” across Lango, East Acholi and Abim districts. Local reporters highlight his openness for interviews, regular briefings by the Division Public information officer ( PIO), and willingness to address community concerns directly—attributes that have bolstered public trust in the UPDF.
Looking ahead, as 2025 draws to a close, many local leaders and the general public say the disciplined UPDF of 5th Infantry Division, spearheaded by Maj. Gen. Katungyi, should continue to “give back to the community” through security initiatives, humanitarian assistance, and development projects in the year 2026.
“The year 2025 has been one of transformation,” Katungyi reflected in his interview. “Our mission is to safeguard the people, support their livelihoods, conserve the environment and build a future where peace is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.”
With the commander’s hands‑on approach and the division’s continued collaboration with local stakeholders, the East Acholi and Lango sub‑regions appear poised to sustain the momentum into 2026.
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