Pastor on the run for cattle theft in Napak

Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Simon Peter Mosing, the founder of the Church of Christ in Lorengecora Town Council, is currently on the run for the alleged theft of cattle to finance the construction of his church. Pastor Mosing went into hiding on September 17th, 2023 when he was found selling the stolen cattle in Ongerepo village, Okulunyo sub-county, Katakwi district.

The pastor, along with some church members, reportedly raided cattle belonging to Etuko Akol of Kaitakomoi village in Lorengecora sub-county on September 16th, 2023. Achop Lomongin, one of the suspects, confessed that their motive was to steal cows and sell them to generate funds for constructing a permanent church building.

Francis Lochoro, the Lorengecora Town Council LC 3 chairperson, led the team that apprehended Mosing and his associates while selling the stolen cows in Ongerepo village on September 17th. The stolen animals were successfully recovered. However, on his way home at around 8:00 PM, Mosing ambushed Lochoro and attempted to shoot him three times, but the shots did not cause any harm.

Lochoro said the community responded swiftly upon hearing the gunshots, prompting the suspect to drop his weapon and escape before being arrested. Lochoro further revealed that the pastor had a history of involvement in cattle raids, but he had supposedly reformed and became a pastor after his father was killed during a raid in Teso some years ago.

Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident, stating that joint security forces have initiated investigations. One suspect is currently in custody at the UPDF military detachment, aiding in the effort to uncover more details about their cattle-raiding mission.

Longole emphasized that the preliminary report suggests the duo stole cows from grazing areas while the animals were under the care of children. “As security, we are aware that a pastor was behind this, and we have launched a manhunt for him. Once apprehended, he will face charges regardless of his affiliation,” Longole asserted.

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