By Prosper Gibolo
Authorities in Kotido district have warned of punitive actions against individuals accused of running cattle rustling cartels.
The warning was issued during a security dialogue held at Loletio Sub-county on Friday following a spike in cases of animal theft in the area.
The meeting organised by Justice and Peace Department of Kotido Catholic Diocese brought together locals, members of the peace committees, security operatives, Loletio sub-county and district officials.
During the meeting, Rogers Locwelo, the LC3 Loletio sub-county said that Loletio has experienced rising cases of cattle theft in the recent past.
He blamed the armed youth for being responsible for renewed cattle thefts which have spiraled into the neightbouring community of Bokora in Napak district.
Charles Ichogor, the Kotido Resident District Commissioner said he had received intelligence reports detailing how some elders, witch doctors, and women were involved in inciting young men to participate in cattle raids, this publication could not independently verify by press time.
He warned those encouraging and inciting the youth to take part in cattle raids to stop it with immediate effect or else face the wrath of the law.
Emmanuel Lodio, the councilor for Rengen Sub-County who represented the LCV Chairperson Paul Komol Lote, decried compromising of the prevailing peace due to connivance between community members and raiders.
He urged the community of Loletio and Kotido district at large to embrace peace, warning that the government is ready to deal with saboteurs of peace gains Karamoja has achieved in the past.
According to Lodio, leaders should be discussing issues of development not cattle raids just because of the few individuals.
In his part, Lt. Col. Gordon Kutesa, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yankee battalion, appealed to the community to remain vigilant, work closely with security personnel.
He also cautioned locals against taking the law into their own hands, reminding them that vigilance and collaboration are the keys to maintaining peace and order.
Nico Caradori, the coordinator of Justice and Peace Department of Kotido Catholic Diocese, revealed that since 2022, they have organised over 200 peace dialogues across different parts of Kotido district and neighboring Kaabong.
These dialogues involving community members, reformed raiders, district leaders and security operatives according to Caradori have significantly contributed to current relative peace.
