Recently, the RDC Moroto Peter Ken Lochap revealed that they have received intelligence reports that some thugs were plotting to attack traders in Nadunget market and loot property in retaliation for their stolen livestock. He said they were closely monitoring the reports.
The business community in Moroto and Nadunget Sub County have
asked security agencies to deploy adequate security personnel in Nadunget Cattle
market in Moro to district.
Recently, the RDC Moroto Peter Ken Lochap revealed that they have received
intelligence reports that some thugs were plotting to attack traders in
Nadunget market and loot property in retaliation for their stolen
livestock. He said they were closely monitoring the reports.
Nadunget market attracts business people mainly from eastern and central Uganda
who come to buy cattle and goats for beef.
Boas Ojangole, a cattle trader from Soroti town says that they need more
security personnel at the market due to the high cases of livestock theft.
“Today we have registered two attempts of theft of bulls already bought by the
business community. It was fortunate that we detected the plot and reported
immediately. The police is helping us but I think the numbers are small. Let
them deploy more police here, otherwise, sometimes there are chaos and we lose
animals and money.” said Omongole.
Paul Aguma of Moroto Municipal Council says that without adequate security,
business people could suffer losses from notorious thugs who grab property
forcefully from the traders. He says for smooth trade, there is need to secure
the market.
“As a born of this area, we want more security officers to be brought to this
market because there are people of different backgrounds here. We have cattle
thieves here and they always team up,” said Aguma.
The Nadunget Sub County Chairperson, Rafael Lolem Epien said the sub-county has
deployed fifteen police officers and LDUs every market day to ensure that the
traders are secure.
Cue in: Security is provided…
Cue out: “…pick certain things.”
In 2018, warriors raided Kokoria market in Kotido and stole
property valued at 21 million shillings. They looted items including clothing,
livestock, beers, produce and general merchandise. Most traders have since
boycotted the market. The market is 7 km west of Moroto town.
Last week, a military chopper was used to monitor the security situation around
the market amid heavy deployment of the police.
Stanley Ebele
Freelancer