By Stanley Ebele
A day intended for prayer for unity and peace in Kotido District was overshadowed by a fatal incident of mob justice and ongoing cross-border cattle raids on Saturday.
While religious and political leaders gathered on Saturday to pray for prevailing peace, armed cattle rustlers from Napumpum simultaneously launched a raid into neighboring Turkana, Kenya, making off with an unspecified number of cattle.
The prayer event, organized by the Justice and Peace Department of Kotido Catholic Diocese, focused on three key themes: cherishing the current relative peace, renewing commitment to strengthen it, and preaching forgiveness and reconciliation among the communities of North Karamoja.
However, on the very same day, at approximately 10:00 AM, residents of Napumpum and South Division in Kotido Municipality tragically lynched a suspected cattle thief to death.
The victim was identified as Locham Atudo, a resident of Nataaba in Napumpum Town Board, who was beaten near Panyangara Secondary School.
His alleged accomplice, Apaloko Lochu, was left in a coma but was rescued from the mob by the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).
Another armed suspect, Loila Muron, implicated in the same case, remains at large.
Ibrahim Amin Loding, the District Councilor of Napumpum, condemned the act of cattle rustling, labeling it “outdated and illegal.”
He urged the youth to pursue alternative livelihood such as farming, business, and service provision.
Similarly, Lomilia Andrew Ariang, the LC3 Chairman of South Division, denounced cattle rustling and theft, stating that it is not the only means of survival.
He challenged the community to embrace peace and also condemned acts of mob justice, advocating for the rule of law.
Michael Longole, the Mt. Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed that the incident is under investigation.
This year alone, approximately seven people have been lynched to death by communities in the district on suspicion of cattle theft, with six such incidents occurring earlier.
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