UPDF fight Turkana over gold in Karamoja, four shot

Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) has deployed in the Karamoja region to thwart illegal mining and cattle thefts, New Vision, has learnt.

The deployment followed intelligence reports that an organised group of fighters from neighbouring Kenya, had planned an attack on Ugandan soil targeting cattle theft.

While addressing a security conference, the immigration spokesperson Jacob Siminyu said "They notified the UPDF that swiftly deployed after an armed group, located 10km into Kenya - planned an attack on Nakabaat in the Karamoja region."

Flanked by Police spokesperson Fred Enanga and Prisons publicist, Frank Baine, at Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Siminyu said community members and other criminals were also disguised as refugees to secure entry into the country to benefit from food ratios at the camps.

Siminyu explained that Immigration has notified concerned security agencies and investigations are underway.

Earlier, a security report seen by New Vision indicated that violence orchestrated by illegal artisans and miners had erupted in Moroto district.  

According to the report, a group of Matheniko together with Turkana warriors from Kenya allegedly led by a one only identified Apangoria, rioted when Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bonny Tumwesigye, addressed and advised them (group) to acquire licenses for mining. The incident occurred at Nakabaat gold mining Village, in Moroto district.

Tumwesigye heads the Police's minerals unit in the Karamoja region.

During the riot that started at about 2:00 pm on June 30, Apangoria picked a gun and attempted to shoot Tumwesigye.

Subsequently, Tumwesigye, called for reinforcement of both the Police and UPDF, who responded and repulsed the warriors.

Later, they (warriors) reorganised and launched a fresh attack in the night, in which four people were shot.

One person only identified as Achiya was shot and died on the spot while three others; Sagal Chekem, John Nakwa, and another only identified as Ibura were injured.

According to security sources, the region will remain under a heavy security presence until the situation stabilizes.

Cattle thefts

Until last week, there have been several reports of cattle theft in the region orchestrated by the Turkana.

A fortnight ago, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeyi, directed Police to work closely with state attorneys and magistrates in the Savannah region to curb the growing vice of cattle theft.

The directive was made after local leaders in the districts of Luweero, Nakasongola and Nakaseke revealed that the increase in cattle theft in the area was being facilitated by criminal gangs and repeat offenders, who bought their way out of the justice system.

Sabiiti also directed the security operatives and local leaders to report to him directly cases of intimidation by government officials, who threaten them whenever they arrest the thieves.

Sabiiti led a high-level delegation of senior Police directors for a meeting with leaders from the districts of Luwero, Nakaseke and Nakasongola on matters of livestock thefts in the Savannah region, following a directive issued by President Yoweri Museveni during this year's Heroes Day celebrations.