The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has recovered 37 cattle stolen by suspected Karimojong raiders in Namokora Sub-county, Kitgum district.The cattle, belonging to 14 individual farmers, were raided from Luguruc Village in Pagoda West Parish on Friday nights.
According to Walter Komakech Oyo, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner Kitgum, the UPDF responded immediately to the raid and recovered all the cattle a few meters away from where they were stolen. The raiders, who were armed with one gun, one bow and arrow, and two sticks, had earlier abducted a young boy and forced him to lead them to the cattle before releasing him unharmed after getting the cattle.
Oyo urged cattle owners to keep their livestock in communal kraals to facilitate protection and prevent future raids. The unprotected communal kraal where the 37 herd of cattle were raided is located in the home of Raymond Obwona.
The UPDF is pursuing the suspected raiders, and Oyo commended the security forces for their swift response in recovering the stolen cattle saying this has made the fight against cattle rustling in the region easier and warned cattle raiders that they will face justice under the Ugandan Constitution.
The recovered cattle have been returned to their owners, and the UPDF is pursuing the suspected raiders. Oyo urged the community to keep their livestock in communal kraals to facilitate protection and prevent future raids. URN