By Bondry Kilenga
45 herd of cattle reported to have been stolen by the suspected Karamojong cattle rustlers in Abim District have been recovered by the joint security team led by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The animals which were reportedly stolen from the kraal of Alfred Okengo, a resident of in Kanyalaka South Village, Wilela Parish, Magamaga Sub County on Christmas Day, at approximately 10:00 PM.
AIP Mike Longole, the Mount Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson in a statement issued on Friday said the UPDF in collaboration with the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) personnel responded shifty after the residents reported the unfortunate incident, leading to the recovery of the stolen animals.
“We received an alert from the locals that a lot of cattle had been stolen from Napak district by the cattle rustlers,” AIP Longole stated without mentioning the location the animals where stolen cattle were recovered from.
According to Longole, the stolen livestock were recovered unharmed, and a pursuit for the suspects is ongoing.
The recovery of the livestock highlights the effectiveness of joint security efforts operating in Karamoja in combating cattle rustling, which has for long threatened peace and economic stability in pastoral communities, often resulting in loss of life and property.
Longole reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding citizens urging authorities to continue to strengthen surveillance and community engagement to prevent future incidents.
“We shall continue working together with local authorities and other security agencies to track down the cattle rustlers and ensure that they are brought to book,” he stated.
Alfred Okengo, the owner of the recovered livestock, applauded the joint security team for the work well done.
He explained that the recovery of the looted animals was a result of a quick response by the joint security personnel comprising the UPDF and ASTU.
