Kotido cattle markets closed over rampant theft

Kotido District security committee has ordered for the temporary closure of all cattle markets in the district.

The committee resolved on Saturday that all the cattle markets be closed to help curb cattle theft that has become rampant in Kotido, Kaabong and Moroto districts.

Mr David Modo the Kotido Resident District Commissioner chaired the meeting that was fully attended by the security personnel in the district and politicians.

Captain Abert Arinaitwe, the UPDF 3rd division spokesperson confirmed the temporally closure of cattle markets in the district, saying it will help security organs bring cattle theft to an end.

“The closure of cattle markets in Kotido follows many cases of cattle theft in the area, we hope by doing this, we shall be able to control vice by the Karimojong warriors,” he said.

He said the Karimojong cattle thieves mainly from Kotido district had taken advantage of cattle markets where they rush quickly to dispose the animals that they steal from the neighboring districts.

He added that any transportation of livestock in and outside the district is in this period illegal until the district security committee sits again and resolves the way forward.

According to Capt Arinaitwe, UPDF has launched fresh cordon and search operations in Kotido district following rampant cases of cattle theft.