UPDF Warns Criminals and Collaborators in Cattle Theft

The Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) has issued a stern warning to collaborators and local criminal gangs involved in livestock theft. They have emphasized that these individuals will be dealt with just like cattle raiders. The UPDF's efforts to combat this issue in the Lango and East Acholi sub-regions have been undermined by these activities.

The warning was delivered by Col Gai Mpadwa, the Second in Command of the 5th Infantry Division, during a media presentation of suspected collaborators and local criminal gangs in Labwodong, Agago District. Col Gai stated that warriors from Karamoja have been causing trouble, and the UPDF is intensifying its efforts to suppress their raids, promising to eliminate this menace completely.

Col Gai expressed concern about the new trend of local people disguising themselves as Karamojong warriors to steal from their unsuspecting fellow locals. During the presentation, three youths named Odong Denis, Abalo Sharon, and Ajok Anah were paraded as suspects. Odong Denis was apprehended with five stolen goats, and it was revealed that such criminals have turned the raids into a commercial venture by selling the meat to local restaurants, making it challenging for the army to track them.

Col Gai warned residents that collaborators, criminal gangs, and sympathizers will face legal consequences as they will be arraigned before courts of law and charged accordingly. He urged local leaders and the population to collaborate with the UPDF to eradicate cattle raids and maintain peace in the region.

LC3 Chairman Parabongo Sub County, Mr. Stephen Ochan, expressed his disappointment with the locals involved in stealing from each other under the guise of Karamojong warriors. He requested the army to treat these collaborators and criminal gangs with the same severity as the Karamojong warriors, emphasizing that they should face the consequences of their actions.

Among the suspects, Abalo Sharon was found to operate a bar where she bought stolen goats and cows, slaughtering them and selling the meat to her clients. Ajok Anah, a tailor, also engaged in the purchase and sale of stolen cattle outside Agago.

Operations to combat cattle theft have been intensified, and investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing.