Warriors in prison over guns

By Nathan Etenguin Kotido Six Karimojong warriors have been sentenced to jail terms ranging between five to six years after they were found guilty of illegal possession of firearms.The warriors, who are serving their sentence in Kotido prison, were recently convicted by the Kotido Grade Two magistrate, Edward Lokiru. A total of 13 other suspected gun traffickers, including self-styled “Brigadier” Lokut Apa Chipit, have also been remanded after being charged with illegal possession of firearms.The UPDF 405 commanding officer, Lt. Col. Patrick Kiyingyi, said Lokut was among the suspects wanted in connection with the killing of 17 UPDF soldiers and burning of two armoured personnel carriers in Panyangara sub-county in the year 2000.The warriors were arrested by the UPDF during the forceful disarmament operation to recover illegal guns from the Karimojong warriors.The operation was launched on February 15 after the expiry of the grace period granted by President Yoweri Museveni to the Karimojong to voluntarily hand over their guns.Those convicted were identified as Lonyang Apa Modek, Longok Lokawa, Loling Lowot, Lochum Lote, Paul Lonyang and Locuu Apa Lopira.They were arrested during operations carried out in Jie county.Those on remand were identified as Lodiya Naramiro, Namuya Apa Yepo, Lokong Lomuge, Locumurya, Girit Lorita and Peter Locheing. Also on remand are Lokure Kamolngole, Joseph Rege, Lokwang Achia, Peter Lokelo, Achila Apa Lomer, Longok and Lomuge.Their wives and relatives were last Monday seen visiting and taking food to the prisoners.The Karamoja disarmament exercise has so far recovered over 7,000 guns from the nomads who have been using the weapons to raid cattle in neighbouring districts.