The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kitgum, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Local leaders in Orom Sub-county in Kitgum District are demanding punitive action against four suspected armed South Sudanese bandits. The suspects, who are believed to have crossed from the neighbouring Eastern Equatorial state, were arrested on April 10, 2021 by Uganda People’s Forces-UPDF soldiers in a foiled cattle raid in Lucom Village, Okuti parish.
The suspects were found in possession of three firearms. A proposal by the district security officials to hand over the suspects to the South Sudan authorities has infuriated a section of residents and leaders in Orom Sub-county who want punitive measures to deter other criminals.
William Komakech, the Kitgum Resident District Commissioner told Uganda Radio Network-URN in an earlier interview that the suspects will be handed over to South Sudan authorities upon the completion of their investigations. According to Komakech, the handover of the suspects is a good gesture towards promoting peace among the two countries and people occupying the international boundaries.
But Tiberio Oyulu, the LCI Chairperson Orom East Village told Uganda Radio Network in an interview that releasing the suspects without any charge will encourage the influx of more armed men. He says the area has been under constant invasion by bandits from South Sudan and neighbouring Karamoja, adding that punitive measures such as long jail terms would act as a deterrent to others.
“…some suspects had earlier been apprehended and detained in Kitgum but released, these people are constantly disturbing us just like the Karamojong from all corners, I believe that these suspects should be sent to jail so that others are deterred from coming to disturb us at the border…”
The Outgoing Orom Sub-County LCIII Chairperson, Quirino Olum says some suspects that have been arrested are part of the 15 bandits that were released by security officials in the district in January this year. Security personnel in Kitgum District released 15 South Sudanese bandits to their counterparts in South Sudan in a bilateral security meeting held in Orom Sub-county in January this year.
Two of the suspects were arrested from Palabek Ogili sub-county in Lamwo district armed with two guns and grenades while 13 were apprehended in Orom Sub County, Kitgum district armed with five guns. Olum says suspects who have been intercepted with guns and ammunition illegally in the country deserve to be taken through the formal justice system rather than being repatriated without any charges.
Emmanuel Lapyem, the Kitgum District Vice Chairperson, however, says that although the decision to handover the suspects looks “unserious” to the locals, it’s a move backed by the East African Community Treaty on Regional Peace and Security. Under article 124 of the East African Treaty, partner states agree to enhance co-operation in the handling of cross border crime, provision of mutual assistance in criminal matters including the arrest and repatriation of fugitive offenders and the exchange of information on national mechanisms for combating criminal activities.
Lapyem says even if the suspects are released from custody in Uganda, they will still face prosecution back in their country since they committed crimes of illegal entry and possession of firearms.
The Fifth Infantry Division Commander, Brig William Bainomugisha told URN in an interview that the suspects are in their detention and still being investigated.
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