UPDF hands back K’jong rustled cattle
Feb 21, 2007
THE UPDF has handed over 1,596 head of cattle to Karimojong local leaders.
By Alfred Wasike
THE UPDF has handed over 1,596 head of cattle to Karimojong local leaders.
The cattle were recovered from rustlers in the on-going disarmament of the Karachuna (illegally armed Karimojong youths).
Presiding over the ceremony at Kailong in Kotido district, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda nyaka-irima, yesterday warned that the army court martial would prosecute those found with illegal weapons.
Karimojong leaders reported that the residents had gained confidence in the army courts because they handled the armed rustlers expeditiously.
The 3rd Division army spokesperson, Lt. Henry Obbo, said they had recovered 40 guns and captured two warriors.
“We handed over the animals with the J brand. Other animals with official brands from other areas were retained, pending investigations into the rightful ownership.â€
Obbo said the local leaders pledged that there would be no more raids on the army.
However, as the function was taking place, there erupted an exchange of fire between the UPDF and armed warriors at Kacyeri.
Obbo said raids had become commercialised, hence very difficult for the leaders to fight.
“The leaders complained that the raids happen a day or two to scheduled market days by the raiders who hide in the bushes.â€
The leaders urged the UPDF to intensify the disarmament operations, especially in the isolated bushy areas.
A 10-day joint sensitisation programme comprising security agents resident district commissioners, MPs and local leaders was also launched to sensitise the public on the disarmament exercise.
THE UPDF has handed over 1,596 head of cattle to Karimojong local leaders.
The cattle were recovered from rustlers in the on-going disarmament of the Karachuna (illegally armed Karimojong youths).
Presiding over the ceremony at Kailong in Kotido district, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda nyaka-irima, yesterday warned that the army court martial would prosecute those found with illegal weapons.
Karimojong leaders reported that the residents had gained confidence in the army courts because they handled the armed rustlers expeditiously.
The 3rd Division army spokesperson, Lt. Henry Obbo, said they had recovered 40 guns and captured two warriors.
“We handed over the animals with the J brand. Other animals with official brands from other areas were retained, pending investigations into the rightful ownership.â€
Obbo said the local leaders pledged that there would be no more raids on the army.
However, as the function was taking place, there erupted an exchange of fire between the UPDF and armed warriors at Kacyeri.
Obbo said raids had become commercialised, hence very difficult for the leaders to fight.
“The leaders complained that the raids happen a day or two to scheduled market days by the raiders who hide in the bushes.â€
The leaders urged the UPDF to intensify the disarmament operations, especially in the isolated bushy areas.
A 10-day joint sensitisation programme comprising security agents resident district commissioners, MPs and local leaders was also launched to sensitise the public on the disarmament exercise.