By Richard Onapatum
Kotido, Uganda – In a remarkable operation, joint security forces in Kotido District have recovered 28 stolen cattle, seized a firearm, and neutralized a rustler.
The cattle were stolen from Panyangara Sub-county, prompting a swift response from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force (UPF), Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and Internal Security Organisation (ISO).
The joint forces worked together seamlessly, tracking down the criminals, intercepting them, and recovering the stolen livestock. The operation was a testament to the effectiveness of the joint security forces in combating cattle rustling, a perennial problem in the Karamoja Sub-region.
According to Lt Col Gaston Mugarura, Commander of the UPDF 405 Infantry Brigade, the operation was a result of intelligence gathering and coordination between the different security agencies.
“We received information that a group of rustlers had stolen cattle from Panyangara Sub-county,” he said. “We quickly mobilized our forces and worked together to track down the rustlers and recover the stolen cattle.”
The operation was carried out in the early hours of the morning, with the joint forces using their combined strength to surround the rustlers and recover the stolen cattle.
The rustlers, who were armed, put up a fierce resistance, but were eventually overpowered by the joint forces.
One of the rustlers was neutralized during the operation, while the others fled into the nearby bushes. The joint forces recovered a firearm, a SAR 17373 with one live round of ammunition, which is believed to have been used by the rustlers.
The recovery of the stolen cattle is a significant blow to the rustlers, who have been terrorizing the communities in the Karamoja Sub-region.
The joint forces have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling cattle rustling and maintaining stability in the area.
“We are committed to protecting the lives and property of the people in the Karamoja Sub-region,” said Lt Col Mugarura.
“We will continue to work together to combat cattle rustling and other forms of crime in the area.”
The joint forces have also appealed to the communities in the Karamoja Sub-region to cooperate with them in the fight against cattle rustling.
“We need the support of the communities to combat cattle rustling,” said Lt Col Mugarura. “We urge them to report any suspicious activity to the authorities and to work with us to maintain peace and stability in the area.”
The recovery of the stolen cattle is a significant achievement for the joint forces, and a testament to their commitment to protecting the lives and property of the people in the Karamoja Sub-region.
It is also a warning to the rustlers that their activities will not be tolerated, and that the joint forces will do everything in their power to bring them to justice.