Five killed in cattle-keepers, farmers feud

By Kyetume Kasanga in Masindi A LONG standing feud between cattle-keepers and cultivators in Kibanda county, Masindi district has resulted in the killing of five people during revenge clashes in Kimogora village.Cultivators have all along accused the cattle keepers of grazing their animals in gardens, while they in return blamed the cultivators of blocking them by growing crops along cattle tracks.Residents there said the killings were sparked off by the murder of a cattle keeper, Sam Kisoro by unknown assailants on Saturday night. His body was found dumped by the roadside.Mr. Isaac Ampeire, the O/C Masindi Police Station and the deputy CID officer, Mr. Gaudencio Ondhole confirmed the incident on Monday. They said Kisoro’s cattle had grazed on somebody’s crops.Ondhole said, “The issue was settled before the LCs and Kisoro was fined upon which he paid half. Later he was found murdered but his relatives blamed the death on the owner of the crops.”Ondhole said at least 50 cattle keepers armed themselves with machetes, spears and clubs for revenge. On the way they met two women, relatives of their intended victim, and killed them instantly.They also killed another woman and a boy they found at home. Ondhole said a 12-year-old girl, Lucy Ideta escaped with deep cut wounds and was admitted to Kiryandongo Hospital.Those killed were identified as Helen Aluo, 45, Dorothy Araderet, 45, and Lucy Aculi, 48. The boy could not be easily identified but he was said to have paid a visit in the home from Teso.The assistant RDC, Ojok Jepa, and the Police community liaison officer, visited the scene of the murder and assisted some of the victims to hospital.Ondhole said Police investigations continue but a suspected ring leader, Stephene Rukutana, had been arrested.