By Moses Lokeris
Persistent cattle theft in Abim district by the suspected Karamojong cattle raiders has prompted calls for the establishment of a military barracks in the area to strengthen security and protect livestock belonging to communities living along the border.
Abim District LCV Vice Chairperson, Judith Hopestar Akot lamented that the absence of a strong security presence along the porous border has continued to expose communities to cattle raids, with suspected raiders taking advantage of the security gaps to steal animals.
Akot made the appeal during a peace dialogue organized by GIZ Civil Peace Service at Loparpar in Kacheri Sub-county, Kotido District last Wednesday, arguing that establishing a military detach along the border would help deter cattle raiders and restore lasting peace.
In response to the call, Col. Philip Mugizi, the Brigade Commander of the 505 Infantry Brigade, 5th Division in Payimo, Kitgum, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to working with other security agencies to protect lives and property and sustain peace in the affected communities.
Meanwhile, Kotido Resident District Commissioner Charles Ichogor said cattle theft between Kotido and neighbouring districts has significantly reduced compared to previous years.
Ichogor, who apologised on behalf of Kotido district leaders and the community over continued cattle thefts allegedly orchestrated by suspected suspected Karamojong raiders in neighbouring districts, attributed the relative peace currently prevailing in Karamoja to strong cooperation between security agencies, district leaders, kraal leaders, and local communities.
