The joint security forces recently handed back 195 cattle to the Jie pastoralists at Kobebe Mega Valley dam in Moroto district, located in the Karamoja Sub-region.
This action comes after Turkao herdsmen raided 255 livestock in the Kalogwang grazing belt on March 19, 2024, resulting in the death of two young shepherds. This incident violated Executive Order No. 3 issued on May 19, 2023.
During the handover ceremony, Mr. Tuko Justin, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RDC) of Moroto, emphasized the need for security and local leaders to intervene following the incident. He stated, “It’s essential that rightful owners have received their cattle as we await further intervention.”
Hon. Peter Abraham Lokii, the Member of Parliament for Jie County in Kotido district, commended the joint security forces for their actions in restoring confidence and trust within the community. He emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts in peacebuilding to prevent potential acts of retaliation when property is lost.
Representing the 3 Division Commander Maj Gen Don William Nabasa, Col Richard Obura Kidega, the 403 Brigade Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), affirmed that security forces are actively conducting disarmament operations to recover more cattle and enforce Executive Order No. 3, aiming to maintain order and peace in Karamoja Sub-region.
Acknowledging the return of their cattle, elders Logwang Adokamoru and Longoole Nabokolem, both residents of Nakapelimoru Sub County in Kotido district, expressed gratitude and hopefulness. They praised the local leadership and joint security forces for their swift intervention.
The handover ceremony was attended by various officials, including Col David Byaruhanga, the 405 Brigade Commander, Hon. Lotee Paul Komol, the LC V Chairperson of Kotido, Lt Col Patrick Obong, the Commanding Officer of the 39 Infantry Battalion, Hon. Lomoru Paul, the LC3 Chairperson for Nakapelimoru, and Irara Peter Abraham, the Mayor of Kotido Municipality, among others.