Lotisan Peace Committee Camps in Kaabong over Cows Detained By Warriors

Lotisan sub-county peace committee has camped in Kaabong district to recover the stolen cows detained by armed Karamojong warriors.

In December 2024, the armed warriors suspected to have come from Kaabong district raided 25 cows in the Lotisan sub-county, Moroto district. The peace committee tracked the cows up to Kaabong West Sub County where they recovered some and the rest, the warriors claimed they would not be released because they paid 2.5 million Shillings to the intelligence officer of the Kaabong military detach to conceal the information and allow them to go with the stolen livestock. 

The warriors allegedly told the peace committee that they wanted a refund of their money paid to the security officer before they released their cows.

John Robert Adupa, the LCIII Chairperson of the Lotisan sub-county, said that three deadly raids occurred between December and to date, and all cows were headed to the Kaabong district.

Adupa said that some of the cows, especially those taken in the first and second raids, have been recovered. 

He added that the 25 cows taken in the third raid have also been cited in Kaabong West Sub County, but the warriors have seized them and are asking for a refund of the money. 

Adupa said that the security forces are not doing much to help them recover the cows and they have been stuck for a week in the kaabong district.

Adupa noted that some of the leaders in the Kaabong district who could support them in the recovery of the animals are also worried about their lives as warriors threaten them.

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Adupa noted that there is a fresh raid in his sub-county that is carried out by the warriors in Kotido, Kaabong, and the neighboring Turkana in Kenya. He added that over 29 cows have been raided from December to date.

Adupa expressed his fears that if the situation is not addressed it will escalate to other sub-counties before spreading into the entire region.

Adupa attributed the resurrection of insecurity to the laxity of security following the recent reshuffle in the army leadership. He said that security is no longer actively responding to any form of attack whenever they are called for rescue.

Adupa stressed that the situation is more likely to worsen if the current army leadership does not take immediate action to address the fresh wave of insecurity.

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Maj Isaac Oware, the UPDF 3rd division spokesperson said that sometimes leaders frustrate the process of recovering and handing over the recovered livestock.

Oware noted that in most cases when stolen cows are recovered, the leaders dash the process of handing them over to the owners without proper protocols. 

Oware said that the cows raided by warriors in Kaabong were recovered and the chairperson had the liberty to take the cows.

Oware noted that the warriors who have seized the cows while demanding the refund of money paid as a bribe are criminals and do not have any discretion. He assured that the warriors shall be arrested and prosecuted with evidence.

Oware warned that they will not allow warriors to threaten the existing peace and the lives of those advocating for the development of the sub-region.

Responding to alleged extortions by the army officer, Oware said it is a master of investigation, and if found guilty the officer shall be brought to book.

Oware explained that the general security situation in the areas of Lotisan is calm except only isolated cases.

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Jino Meri, the LC5 Chairperson of Kaabong district acknowledged that a group of five warriors crossed to the Lotisan sub-county to raid cattle.

Meri said that the cows raided ended up in Kaabong West sub-county and the district security committee has been working tirelessly to arrest the suspects and have the cows recovered.

Meri said that two suspects were already arrested while the two are still at large after surrendering the gun used in the raid.

He added that the one arrested also returned one gun and they are yet to recover the missing cows.

Meri said that the security committee has been conducting community engagement in the sub-counties of Kakamar and Kaabong West suspected of harboring criminals.

Meri said that they are trying everything possible to explore ways of recovering the missing cows.

Meri added that the suspects are known and they have come up with plans to effect the operations to arrest the criminals. He revealed that they know the criminals and it is a matter of little time to weed them out of their hiding ground.  

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Mike Longole, the Mt Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson drummed the people of Karamoja to consider abandoning the cattle rustling and explore alternative livelihoods.

He noted that by abandoning cattle rustling, the community can focus on developing alternative sources of livelihood, such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, and education.

Longole observed that the opportunities will not only improve economic well-being but also foster a sense of community and social cohesion.

"We stand at a critical juncture in our region's history, where we can choose to leave behind the destructive cycle of cattle rustling and embrace a brighter future filled with opportunities for growth, development, and peace" Longole reiterated.

Longole said that the Presidential amnesty for the voluntary handover of guns is still in force, offering a chance for individuals to surrender their arms and embark on a new path.

Longole challenged the people of Karamoja to unite in the pursuit of peace, prosperity, and development. He added that there is a need for a collective effort to build a brighter future for Karamoja, where the children can grow and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.