Apanaluk died leaving behind 54 wives, 187 children, 116 grandchildren and more than 2,000 head of cattle. The incident has created a rift between the Bokora (people Napak district) and the Pian (people of Nabilatuk and Nakapiripirit) as the former want to revenge the killing of their elder and son.
Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, the Abim Resident District Commissioner, says the shootout occurred during the pursuit of the cows by the Local Defense Unit personnel.
The latest victim is Puchi Napenyangura, 25, resident of Lopuyo village in Rengen Sub County, Kotido district. Puchi was allegedly killed by Benjamin Lootan at Warrior’s Street in Kaabong Town Council after a quarrel related to cattle thefts.
This is part of a drive to recruit up to 13,000 personnel to boost the UPDF reserve force. According to the 3rd Division Spokesman Abert Arinaitwe, the recruitment will start from Kaabong district this morning and continue up to Friday in the districts of Kotido, Abim, Moroto and Nakapiripirit.
Capt. Abert Arinaitwe, the 3rd Division Spokesman says Olweny landed in an ambush at night with a stolen bicycle and hoes among other stolen items. He revealed that Olweny has been on the list of the five most wanted criminals in Karamoja.
The Uganda Peoples’ Defense Force- UPDF 3rd Division in Moroto say the children’s lives are now more vulnerable as some criminals target them while stealing cattle.
Morutit, like Nabilatuk Resolution was put in place in 2013 to deter locals from stealing cattle. Under the Morutit and Nabilatuk Resolutions, cattle thieves pay twice the number of livestock stolen to the owner and, additional animal for elders and members of the Peace Committee.
Capt. Albert Arinaitwe, the 3rd Division Spokesman says over 70% of gun recoveries and cattle thefts are recorded from Kotido district. He notes that while other districts within Karamoja have tried to engage locals against the acts of theft and illegal possession of firearms, Kotido has remained adamant.
The group reportedly shot dead a 10- year old boy only identified as Apalocolut of Nakapelimoru Sub County, Kotido district and two others; Lopus Apanaleso, 27 and Lotoya Rengetau 25, residents of Panyangara Sub County and Kotido Municipality respectively.
Since December, unknown people have carried out killings in Abim, Kotido and Kaabong raising tension in the community. However, no suspects have been arrested causing uproar.
The 406 Brigade Investigations Officer Maj. Ephraim Byaruhanga issued the Directive on Friday, during a community security meeting held in Panyangara Sub County, Kotido district. Maj. Byaruhanga said the directive takes immediate effect.
Capt. Isaac Oware, the 3rd Division army spokesman, attributes the fresh cattle thefts to black cattle markets in the region. He told URN that while the locals arrange for cattle raids, there are businessmen on standby to buy and transport the stolen animals at night.
Col. John Wasswa, the Third Division Court Martial Chairman, said the sentences are meant to serve as a deterrent to other LDUs and civilians with similar intentions.
Capt. Abert Arinaitwe, the 3rd Division spokesman acknowledges the concerns raised but attributes it to local leaders who recommend wrong elements for LDU recruitment and commercialisation of cattle thefts.
