A 50-year-old man identified as Otyang Martin was killed by elephants on Tuesday, November 4, in Ekameri area, Alereke sub-county, Abim district.
The incident occurred around 1:00 pm when three individuals were reportedly attacked while in a restricted area.
According to Colonel Gai Fraser Mpadwa, Deputy Division Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, the location where the attack occurred is a restricted gold mining area guarded by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
In a phone interview on Friday, Colonel Mpadwa noted that it remains unclear whether the three individuals were attempting to access the restricted zone when they encountered the elephants.
The deputy commander explained that the elephants are part of a larger herd from Kidepo Valley National Game Park that frequently moves through Abim district—particularly in Alereke and Camkoko sub-counties—as well as parts of Amia Pachwa in Agago district.
Colonel Mpadwa urged local communities to remain vigilant and to promptly alert authorities if they spot elephants or buffaloes moving near settlements.
He also confirmed that these animals have recently caused disturbances in Orom sub-county, Kitgum district, resulting in further loss of life and crop destruction.
Following the incident, a joint response team comprising UPDF’s 85th Infantry Battalion, Abim Police, and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials from Kidepo National Park was dispatched to the scene. The body of the deceased was recovered and handed over to his family for burial.
Colonel Mpadwa assured the public that blood compensation will be provided as burial arrangements proceed, while reiterating warnings against entering restricted areas.
He announced that UWA accepted to process compensation to the family of late Otyanga together with the burial arrangements.
In a related security update, the army officer reported that on Wednesday, November 5, UPDF’s 75th Infantry Battalion engaged in a fire exchange with South Sudanese warriors in Lolir, Kitgum district.
One assailant was killed during the operation to recover raided civilian properties, while others fled in disarray.
Tragically, on Thursday, November 6, a suspected stray bullet struck and killed Muzze Okwera Mateo in Wumugoti village, Gule Parish, Orom sub-county. The incident occurred as UWA rangers were attempting to chase elephants away from the area.
Okwera, who lived alone, was found dead in his home by his son. Investigations into his death are ongoing.
“Therefore, we are sending very strong information to the community along the Uganda-South Sudan border to be extra alert and report the South Sudan warriors in time when they cross into Uganda territory,” Mpadwa appealed.
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