Cattle rustling ruins festive season in Karamoja

While some parts of Uganda and the rest of the world were merrymaking in the recently concluded festive season, cattle rustlers in some parts of Karamoja sub-region were busy rounding up cows.

On December 24, 2019 UPDF soldiers clashed with Pokot cattle rustlers who had gone to raid animals in Nakapiripirit town council, Nakapiripirit District. As a result, three of the rustlers were killed and two guns recovered. Although their plan was not executed, the gunfire exchange caused panic among residents in the area.

On December 25, UPDF soldiers also battled with rustlers suspected to be from Kotido District who had gone to raid animals in Rupa Sub County in Moroto District. Two of the rustlers were put out of action and animals were recovered.

On December 27, another suspected Jie warrior from Kotido was killed at Loputuk village in Nadunget Sub County in Moroto District where he had gone to raid animals.

Maj Telesphar Turyamumanya, the UPDF 3rd division spokesperson confirmed that the festive season in Karamoja region was coupled with elements of cattle rustling, saying major towns in the region were peaceful.

“The cattle rustling business was only outside Moroto town but in Moroto town people enjoyed the holidays,” he said.

Mr Jude Nasucha, the Moroto District Police Commander said the celebrations went on peacefully in Moroto town due to heavy security deployment.