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Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The UPDF has arrested 13 men and three women in connection with theft of cattle in Moroto district.
The 16 persons have been taken into custody at the 3rd Division headquarters in Moroto, pending further investigations.
The 16 were apprehended on Sunday in Nadunget sub county, during a peaceful identification exercise for over 1,700 impounded cattle from Kodonyo and Napar-Kwangan parishes in Lopuyo sub county, Moroto district.
This followed a raid in Napak district last week, where intelligence showed that the raided cattle were being hidden in Loputuk sub county.
At least 47 heads of cattle belonging to the residents of Napak were found in the kraals in Loputuk sub county, while 5 cows were identified by the residents of Nabilatuk leading to the arrest of 16 suspects.
The 3rd Infantry Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Joseph Balikudembe said that the UPDF and ASTU will continue operations to recover stolen animals and arrest those involved in raids, in order to stamp out cattle rustling in Karamoja.
“The UPDF will continue impounding cattle and arresting the raiders, until this vice is stamped out completely,” said Brig. Gen. Balikudembe, while officiating at the identification exercise. “All the culprits who were arrested will be prosecuted.”
He cautioned that once stolen animals are got in a kraal, all the cattle will he handed over to the complainants adding that raiding should become a risky venture.
Brig. Gen. Balikudembe called upon the LC system to work with the security forces in identifying criminals.
Col. Peter Akakunda, the 403 Brigade Commander advised the youth to stop cattle raids so that peace and development can fully be realized in Karamoja. He encouraged the youth to start businesses that can earn them daily income instead of engaging in raids.
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