Cross-border cattle raids leave Kitgum farming communities on edge
The latest attack occurred on July 4, 2026, when two suspected raiders reportedly stormed a makeshift farm settlement. Victims said one of the attackers was armed with a firearm while the other was unarmed.
During the attack, Sisto Okonya, 40, was reportedly assaulted, while Bazild Olara, 49, sustained a gunshot wound to his left hand as he tried to flee. (Courtesy photo)
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Fear has gripped farmers cultivating land at Tim Lipan in Chua East County, Kitgum district, following a surge in attacks by suspected cattle raiders from South Sudan who are targeting livestock, food supplies and other property.
The affected farmers, who have set up temporary camps for the farming season, come from the sub-counties of Kiteny, Namokora, Orom and Omiya Anyima.
The latest attack occurred on July 4, 2026, when two suspected raiders reportedly stormed a makeshift farm settlement. Victims said one of the attackers was armed with a firearm while the other was unarmed.
During the attack, Sisto Okonya, 40, was reportedly assaulted, while Bazild Olara, 49, sustained a gunshot wound to his left hand as he tried to flee. The attackers also abducted Olara’s wife, Jennifer Ader, 31.
Ader later returned on Sunday at around 9:00 am after spending a night in captivity. She was immediately referred to Namokora Health Centre IV for medical examination and psychosocial support.
The assistant resident district commissioner for Chua East County, Geoffrey Oguti, confirmed the incident, saying suspected cattle raiders from South Sudan have recently intensified cross-border attacks against farmers in the area.
According to Oguti, the raiders are reportedly entering Uganda through the Lukom area and have been wreaking havoc in Kiteny and Orom subcounties.
He added that on June 19, raiders stole 60 head of cattle, while another 10 were taken on June 26. He said both of the latter incidents ended with the cattle being recovered through operations by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Oguti urged farmers to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the UPDF, noting that the military has established several detachments across the farming areas and along the Uganda–South Sudan border to strengthen security.
He further revealed that the Office of the Resident District Commissioner in Kitgum has engaged authorities in Magwi and Ikwoto counties in South Sudan to improve cross-border cooperation in tracking the suspected raiders and recovering stolen livestock.
According to the UPDF, the suspected raiders exploit the porous Uganda–South Sudan border to cross into Uganda, making pursuit difficult. The military also noted that dense vegetation in the area further complicates operations against the attackers.
Despite these challenges, the UPDF says it remains committed to restoring security and ensuring farmers can continue their agricultural activities without fear.