Several leaders in Katakwi have abandoned the comfort of their homes to help stop the increasing cattle theft in the district. Information from Ngariam County alone indicates that more than 160 cattle were stolen between January and February this year. At least five people have been killed in the same area by suspected Karimojong livestock thieves.
The situation has forced many residents to spend nights in the cold as they watch over their animals. Over the weekend, the Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, Peter Ogwang and the Resident District Commissioner, John Steven Ekoom joined soldiers and residents of Palam Sub County to watch over the animals.
Ogwang says the last two months have been very difficult for his people in Katakwi as the cattle thieves continue to cause havoc in the area. He says that the decision to camp in the open at night is to help in the ongoing operations against cattle thieves.
The Resident District Commissioner of Katakwi, John Steven Ekoom says that since the security teams started night patrols cases of cattle theft have decreased in Palam Sub County.
According to Geoffrey Omolo, the Katakwi District LC V Chairperson, the situation is worrying and requires concerted efforts to address. Omolo says that they have implored the communities to be alert at night and report any suspicious characters by making alarms including blowing whistles.
Maj. Isaac Oware, the 3rd Division Spokesman, says that they are aware of the security situation in the districts bordering Karamoja. He notes that the involvement of leaders in security means a lot to the security forces.
Reports from Katakwi district indicate that the district lost 649 head of cattle to suspected Karimojong thieves last year. Ngariam Sub County was the most affected with 196 cattle followed by Magoro with 173 while Okore and Palam lost 142 cattle each.
A report compiled by Brig. Joseph Balikudembe, the UPDF 3 Division Commander early last month revealed that through their operation dubbed “Usalama Kwa Wote” that started in July last year, they have recovered over 8, 830 head of cattle from Katakwi, Bulambuli, Kwen, and Amudat among others and returned them to their respective owners.
In the same operation, joint security forces recovered 128 guns and 1, 074 rounds of ammunition. They also prosecuted and sentenced 375 criminals in the Karamoja region, who are currently serving in various prisons.
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