Uganda: Army Recovers 440 Stolen Teso Cattle

Richard Otim

30 June 2011

Soroti — The army has recovered 442 head of cattle rustled by Karimojong warriors from Katakwi and Amuria districts since the onset of their incursions in April.

The 3rd Division spokesperson, Capt. Deo Akiiki, on Tuesday said eight Karimojong rustlers had been killed by the army in the last two weeks. “The security situation in Katakwi that started evolving in April this year has been controlled to a bigger extent contrary to public outcry,” said Capt. Akiiki. He added that the trend of events in the affected districts had completely changed due to the current deployment of soldiers to prevent the Karimojong warriors from sneaking into the neighbouring districts.

Areas affected most by the rustlers include the sub-counties of Palam, Magoro and Ngariam in Katakwi District. “We accept that a few gaps were created as some troops were withdrawn from these areas to handle election security and violent protests that erupted after elections in about six urban centres across eastern Uganda. All these have ended and all our soldiers have been recalled and redeployed to bring these warriors to order,” Capt. Akiiki said. He dismissed reports that 50 people had been killed in Katakwi by Karimojong rustlers this year, saying only three civilians were killed by rustlers in separate incidents.

He identified the deceased as Isaac Emuron Okitoi, a resident of Aputoon Village, Aakum Parish in Usuk Sub-county, Bazil Olinga of Kipinyang Village, Omasia Parish in Magoro Sub-county and Richard Ogwang from Ngariam Village, Ngariam Parish in Palam Sub-county, all in Katakwi District. “It is important to note that some of the animals in Teso region have been stolen by fellow Iteso as was the case in Adacar where the cows were recovered from local thieves, one of whom was killed in a mob action by residents,” Capt. Akiiki said.

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