The Joint Security Forces have handed over 195 heads of recovered cattle to the Jie pastoralists at Kobebe Mega Valley dam, Moroto district, in Karamoja Subregion, stolen by Turkana herdsmen.
This was revealed in a statement dated April 10, 2024, by Major Isaac Oware, the Public Information Officer, 3 Division, Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF).
According to Maj. Isaac Oware, the Public Information Officer 3 Division, this stemmed from the recent incident where Turkao herdsmen raided 255 livestock in the Kalogwang grazing belt on March 19, 2024, and killed two young shepherds, which violated Executive Order No. 3 of May 19, 2023.
Maj. Oware said the incident came about after Turkao herdsmen raided 255 livestock in the Kalogwang grazing belt on March 19, 2024, killing two young shepherds in violation of Executive Order No. 3 dated May 19, 2023.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RDC) Moroto, Mr.Tuko Justin, who presided over the meeting, highlighted that the incident called for security and local leaders intervention.
The meeting was presided over by Justin Tuko, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RDC) Moroto, who emphasized that the occurrence required the involvement of local leaders and security.
“It’s paramount that rightful owners have received their cattle as we await more intervention,” Tuko said.
Hon. Peter Abraham Lokii, the Member of Parliament for Jie County in Kotido District, stated that the joint security forces responded appropriately to rebuild community confidence and trust.
Additionally, he said that in peace-building, if someone loses property, it’s better for such coordinated and expeditious actions to swing in to avoid the possibility of any revenge.
According to Col. Richard Obura Kidega, UPDF commander of the 403 Brigade, who represented Maj. Gen. Don William Nabasa, security forces are continuing to conduct disarmament operations to facilitate more recoveries and implement Executive Order No. 3, which has improved sanity and relative peace in the Karamoja Sub-region.
The elders of Nakapelimoru Sub County in Kotido district, Logwang Adokamoru and Longoole Nabokolem, confirmed receiving the animals. Their praise went to the combined security forces and the local leadership for their quick action.
Among those in attendance were Hon. Lomoru Paul, LC3 Chairperson for Nakapelimoru; Col. David Byaruhanga, Commander of the 405 Brigade; Lt. Col. Patrick Obong, Commanding Officer of the 39 Infantry Battalion; and Irara Peter Abraham, Mayor of Kotido Municipality.
