By Peter keno and lokor Phillips
A section of residents of Napumpum sub- County in Kotido district has accused security forces of frustrating their businesses during cordon and search operations conducted at market places.
This follows an operation that was conducted in Napumpum weekly Sunday market that saw a number of people rounded up and driven to Napumpum army detach for screening before they were later released.
The residents claim that, whenever, there are operations conducted on market days, there businesses are frustrated, leading them to losses.
Albino Lopio, a business man at Napumpum trading centre who claims to be part of those rounded up on Sunday says he was forced to abandon his business and driven to the army barracks amidst serious beatings. He condemns the act saying his business acts as a financial backbone that enables him to pay school fees for his children.
Cue//: lomulen nga…
Peter Lopus, the LC3 councilor of Napumpum says whenever the operations take place people of all categories are rounded up from the market. He however says he has neither heard nor witnessed people being beaten by the forces.
Cue//: lopus nga…
But Maj Isaac Oware, the UPDF 3rd division spokesperson says they do not conduct operations without prior intelligence and that forces have always respected peoples’ property even when carrying out operations. He further urged the community and local leaders to work hand in hand with security forces to weed out criminal elements
Cue//: Oware eng.
