The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Security forces in Moroto have released cattle that were confiscated during a firefight between the army and armed Turkana warriors. The joint security forces conducted an operation against Turkana pastoralists in Naput Village, Rupa sub-county, Moroto district on September 22, 2023.
The Turkana warriors attempted to resist eviction by exchanging fire with the security forces before fleeing. During the operation, the forces seized 91 cows and 12 donkeys and demanded that the Turkana return the guns used in the exchange before the cattle could be returned. The warriors surrendered two guns last week leaving one firearm remaining.
However, due to the scarcity of water and pasture for the animals, the security forces have decided to return the cattle to their owners while waiting for the remaining gun. Colonel Richard Kidega, the 403rd Infantry Division commander, explained that the decision was made because it became difficult for the forces to care for the animals due to the lack of pasture and water.
He noted that keeping the cattle was distracting from their operations. Kidega added that they have engaged with the cattle owners, who committed to finding the remaining gun, so they can clear their names from the list of wanted criminals for illegal possession of firearms.
Furthermore, Kidega warned that no Turkana pastoralists would be allowed to continue grazing in the Karamoja land as per the presidential executive orders issued in May 2023. On October 10, 2023, another group of armed Turkana warriors in the Nakadanya grazing area attacked security forces on foot patrol, injuring one soldier.
In response, the security forces confiscated 40 cows belonging to the Turkana warriors and are demanding the return of the five guns used in the attack. Kidega reiterated that the Turkana have been tasked with handing over the guns used in the attack; otherwise, their cattle will face starvation as no security officer will be responsible for grazing them. He also mentioned that the injured officer is currently receiving treatment at Moroto Regional Referral Hospital.
David Koryang, the LC5 chairperson of Moroto district, expressed that the ongoing Turkana eviction in Karamoja has strained the relationship between Turkana pastoralists and the Karimojong, who have been the hosting community.
Koryang explained that they initially welcomed Turkana pastoralists to graze in Moroto due to a prolonged drought in Turkana, Kenya. However, he blamed a few individuals within the Turkana community who may have collaborated with Karimojong warriors to carry out raids.
Koryang also noted that most Turkana pastoralists in Kenya are at risk of losing their cattle by January next year due to a lack of pasture and water for the animals.
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