Northern Uganda – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have issued a stern warning to cattle rustlers after two armed suspects were killed and others fled during separate operations in Northern Uganda.
According to Colonel David Opeero, Deputy Commander of the UPDF 5th Infantry Division, the army launched targeted operations following intelligence reports about cross-border livestock thefts involving suspects believed to have come from South Sudan.
In the first operation, troops from the UPDF’s 75th Battalion pursued the suspects on Tuesday afternoon in Pii Pee Village. The confrontation resulted in the death of one armed suspect, identified as Oryema Payas, a resident of Obutuce Village, Namukora North Sub-county, Kitgum District.
In a related operation, soldiers from the 81st Battalion engaged and neutralized another armed suspect in Lira Kato Sub-county, Agago District. This was part of ongoing efforts to curb rising cattle theft and restore peace in the region.
Col. Opeero commended the UPDF troops for their swift action and warned remaining cattle rustlers to surrender or face the full force of the law.
“These criminal elements will be pursued wherever they are hiding. We urge communities to support the army with information,” he said.
