The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has increased its troop presence along the Uganda-Kenya border. The reason for this deployment, as stated by the Uganda army, is to prevent further attacks by Turkana warriors from Kenya. These attacks have been aimed at entering the Karamoja region in search of water and pasture.
In May 2023, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni issued Executive Order 3, which restricted Turkana pastoralists from accessing grazing grounds until they produce the individuals responsible for the killing of Ugandan geologists. Last year, a group of five geologists were shot and killed in Lotisan sub-county, Moroto district, while conducting mineral mapping in Karamoja.
Moses Muya, Acting Third Division Infantry Division spokesperson, explained that the UPDF’s establishment of an army detachment on the Ugandan side, about 100 kilometers north of Moroto town, aims to curb hostilities initiated by Turkana herders. In recent weeks, these herders have shot and injured two soldiers in separate incidents.
Muya stated that the Turkana have become increasingly hostile towards UPDF soldiers, emphasizing that the army is merely implementing the President’s order. He added that the Turkana should follow proper channels to address their concerns if they intend to enter the country to care for their animals.
According to Lt. Col. Patrick Obong, the commander of the 39th battalion overseeing operations, Turkana warriors attacked UPDF soldiers on foot patrol along the Moroto-Kotido security road on October 8, 2023. During the skirmish, one soldier was injured, and the Turkana warriors retreated into the hills along the border. Obong confirmed that the UPDF responded with gunfire, but no fatalities were reported.
