According to Lillian Ruterah, the Kagadi Resident District Commissioner-RDC, information gathered by security agencies, indicates that the attackers are known residents who have settled in the area for a long time but have been forcing their parents and other people to join their cult in vain.
In May 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni directed the Energy and Mineral Development Ministry to close the mine to allow a formalization tour of mining activities in the area.
However, there have been concerns about some individuals who sneaked into the gold site for mining despite the security deployment. Following the claims, the UPDF 5th Infantry Division has beefed up deployment to keep it out of bounds to avoid illegal mining.
The meeting was scheduled for Saturday at the Kingdom chambers in Hoima City but was disrupted by chaos after security forces, including anti-riot police and military personnel, sealed off the premises, blocking clan leaders from entering.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest and stated that charges of inciting violence have been filed against Aliguma. The police are also searching for other protesters who fled the scene.
But just a week after the last meeting, four cyclists have been killed in the same location. The latest incident occurred on Sunday when two cyclists one identified as Emmanuel Otim and another yet to be identified were killed in a road ambush.
Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson said that there is a need for the general public to enhance alertness at all levels during the Easter season.
Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson told our reporter that they managed to recover all the cattle with the help of residents from the areas of Naontosi towards the border with Kenya.
The security team has established that all the armed warriors who used to terrorize the districts of kaabong and kotido have crossed to karenga district where they are hiding in the game park. The warriors are now stealing people’s food and feed on wild meat before going for cattle raids.
Michael Longole, the Mt. Moroto regional police spokesperson said that the deceased was put out of action at 1:00am on Thursday night when the team of armed warriors met with the forces that were on patrol duties.
Speaking to URN in Kasese, the District Resident Commissioner, Lt. Joe Walusimbi, emphasized that they are actively mobilizing the community to be vigilant and to report any individuals they suspect of criminal activity or collaboration with criminals.
Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto regional police spokesperson, stated that the security operations led to the recovery of 1,121 cows out of 1,208 that were raided between April 16th and April 23rd, 2023.
Robert Koryang, a resident of Lotome trading center says that they are worried about going to their farm gardens which are far away from home because of threats from the cattle raiders.
Brig Gen Joseph Balikudembe, the UPDF 3rd division commander confirmed the incident saying the forces who were on their way to track stolen cows were ambushed by suspected warriors who killed one of them before taking his gun.
Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, the UPDF 3rd Division Deputy Commander says that they received information from the concerned community that their area leaders have extorted money to the tune of 2 million Shillings to secure the release of the suspected criminals. He adds that they are taking the matter seriously because the practice is a threat to peace in the region.
Andrew Teko, the Katikekile sub-county LC 3 councilor, says that men are alert all the time because security forces have been arresting people and beating them during their operations against illegal firearms.
John Robert Adupa, the LC 3 chairperson of Lotisan sub-county in Moroto district, says that police claim that their operations target waragi traders, transporters, and the owners, but they have never seen perpetrators arrested raising questions if the business will really stop.
Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto Regional Police spokesperson says the suspects were arrested in Nariwo Village in North Division Kotido municipality while in the bar.
