Last Updated on: 17th July 2023, 03:12 pm
Lira I Uganda Peoples Defense Forces say their efforts to curb cattle theft are being jeopardized in Lango and parts of the East Acholi sub-region. In a July 15 message, the Second in Command 5 Infantry Division, Col Gai Mpadwa warned collaborators and local criminal gangs now involved in livestock theft.
Col Gai said the suspects will be dealt with like cattle raiders. On July 14, Gai presented suspected collaborators and local criminal gangs before the media in Agago district.
“The warriors from the districts of Karamoja have been causing mayhem and UPDF has stepped up efforts to scale down the raids,” he said, decrying the new tendency by local people disguising as Karamojong warriors.
These people, he said steal from unsuspecting fellow local people.
Those Col Gai paraded that day include Odong Denis, 24, Abalo Sharon, 28 and Ajok Anah, 27.
“Odong Denis was arrested in the wee hours of Friday morning with 05 stolen goats belonging to Akidi Rose, 52, of Otumpili East, Pacer parish, Parabongo sub-county in Agago district,” the Infantry commander revealed.
The LC3 Chairman of Parabongo sub-county Agago district, Stephen Ochan said it was a big shame to the people of Agago and Parabongo since they are the ones stealing from each other under the disguise of Karamojong warriors.
“It’s no longer difficult to accept having seen it with my own eyes and having heard the confessions of what has been happening,” said Ochan.
Strides
From July 8 to 14, UPDF said it has made some achievements. Maj Isaac Oware, the Public Information Officer, 3 Division revealed that the Forces recovered 8 guns from Karamojong warriors, and recovered 5 ammunition; 19 warriors and or suspects have been arrested.
At least 156 cattle have been recovered.
Since Operation Usalama Kwa Wote was launched on July 13, 2021, in Karamoja sub-region, Maj Oware said 913 guns and 6,564 ammunition have been recovered.
26,829 warriors have been arrested out of which 1,358 appeared before Division Court Martial and 1,481 handled by the civil courts.
39,024 livestock, among them cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys have since been recovered.