UPDF Return 195 Cattle to Jie Pastoralists

The joint security forces handed over 195 heads of recovered cattle to the Jie pastoralists at Kobebe Mega Valley dam, Moroto district in the Karamoja Sub-region.

This follows a recent incident where Turkana herdsmen raided 255 livestock in the Kalogwang grazing belt on 19 March 2024 and killed two young shepherds which violated Executive Order No.3 of 19^th May 2023.

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RDC) Moroto, Mr. Tuko Justin who presided over the meeting, highlighted that the incident called for security and local leaders’ intervention. “It’s paramount that rightful owners have received their cattle as we wait for more intervention,” Mr. Tuko said.

Hon. Peter Abraham Lokii, Member of Parliament for Jie County in Kotido district mentioned that the joint security forces acted rightly in a bid to restore confidence and trust in the community. He added that in peacebuilding if someone loses property, such coordinated and expeditious actions should swing in to avoid the possibility of any revenge.

Col Richard Obura Kidega, 403 Brigade Commander of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) who represented the 3 Division Commander Maj Gen Don William Nabasa asserted that security forces continue to conduct disarmament operations to make more recoveries and implement Executive Order No.3 that enhances sanity and relative peace in Karamoja Sub-region.

On their part as rightful owners, elders Logwang Adokamoru and Longoole Nabokolem both residents of Nakapelimoru Sub County in Kotido district acknowledged receipt of cattle and remained hopeful. They lauded both the local leadership and joint security forces for the swift intervention undertaken.

The exercise was witnessed by Col David Byaruhanga 405 Brigade Commander, Hon. Lotee Paul Komol LC V Chairperson Kotido, Lt Col Patrick Obong, Commanding Officer 39 Infantry Battalion, Hon. Lomoru Paul LC3 Chairperson for Nakapelimoru, and Irara Peter Abraham Mayor Kotido Municipality, among others.