195 recovered cattle given to Jie pastoralists

Moroto | The joint security forces on Wednesday handed over 195 heads of recovered cattle to the Jie pastoralists.

The handover took place at Kobebe Mega Valley dam, Moroto district in Karamoja sub-region.

On March 19, 2024, Turkana herdsmen raided 255 livestock in Kalogwang grazing belt and killed two young shepherds which violated Executive Order No.3 of 19th May 2023.

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Moroto, Tuko Justin highlighted that the incident called for security and local leaders’ intervention.

“It’s paramount that rightful owners have received their cattle as we await more intervention,” Tuko said.

Peter Abraham Lokii, Member of Parliament for Jie County in Kotido district, mentioned that the joint security forces acted rightly in a bid to restore confidence and trust among the community.

Lokii added that in peacebuilding if someone loses property, such coordinated and expeditious actions should swing in to avoid the possibility of any revenge.

Col Richard Obura Kidega, the 403 Brigade Commander of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) represented the 3 Division Commander Maj Gen Don William Nabasa during the Wednesday event.

He asserted that security forces continue to conduct disarmament operations to make more recoveries and implement Executive Order No.3 which enhances sanity and relative peace in Karamoja sub-region.

On their part as rightful owners, elders Logwang Adokamoru and Longoole Nabokolem both residents of Nakapelimoru sub-county in Kotido district acknowledged receipt of cattle and remained hopeful.

They lauded both the local leadership and joint security forces for the swift intervention undertaken.

The exercise was witnessed by Col David Byaruhanga, 405 Brigade Commander, Lotee Paul Komol, LC5 Chairperson of Kotido, and Lt Col Patrick Obong, Commanding Officer 39 Infantry Battalion.

Others were Lomoru Paul, LC3 Chairperson of Nakapelimoru, and Irara Peter Abraham, Mayor of Kotido Municipality, among others.