By Our Reporter
MOROTO
Joint security forces involving the army and police arrested sixteen (16) criminals in connection with stealing cattle following an intelligence-led military operation on kraals in Napak and Moroto.
The criminals were presented to the area residents at Nadunget sub – county in Moroto during a peaceful identification exercise to showcase the recovered cattle on October 17th, 2021.
The commander of the UPDF 3 Infantry Division based in Moroto Brig Gen Joseph Balikudembe and chairperson of the joint security team against disarmament in Karamoja Sub-region reminded residents at the cattle identification exercise that UPDF will continue arresting all criminals involved in cattle theft. He said all criminals will be charged and convicted using the Division Court Martial since they use illegal guns to accomplish their unlawful acts.
Speaking at the same function, the 403 Brigade Commander Col Peter Akankunda advised youth in the region to identify other methods of livelihood other than engaging in the unlawful cattle rustling.
Recently, over one thousand seven hundred (1,700) cattle were impounded from Kodonyo and Napar – Kwangan parishes in Lopuyo sub – county – Moroto. While 47 heads of cattle were found hidden in Kraals in Loputuk sub-county.
The frequent livestock theft in the sub-region has limited development programs in this area. Just like oil is to an engine, so is livestock to the Karamojong people.
