By Olandason Wanyama

Turkana pastoralists from Kenya have defied the UPDF ban on entering Uganda with guns.

The pastoralists enter with guns to graze their animals on the slopes of Mt. Moroto.

About 500 Turkana families with thousands of domestic animals migrated to Moroto district towards the end of last year.

The north-eastern regional Police commander, Okot Obwona, said they would not accept the pastoralists to loiter around with guns.

“They either surrender the guns to us or risk their animals being driven back to Kenya,” he said.

While in his office in Moroto town on Monday, Obwona added that the Turkana could re-arm the Karimojong.

“They can even exchange guns for animals while here,” he lamented.

Obwona noted that a joint force of the UPDF and Police was protecting the local people. He added that whoever penetrated into Karamoja armed, would be dealt with.

The UPDF 3rd division operations and training officer, Col. Joseph Balikudembe, said the army was ready to offer security to the Turkana and their animals while in Karamoja, so they did not need to carry guns.