Kaabong , Abim Residents Worried Over Raids

Residents of Abim and Kaabong are living in fear following constant raids of livestock.

According to the Vice-Chairperson of Kaabong Town Council Simon Ngorok, cases of cattle rustling have been a common occurrence since last month.

On Friday, two attempted raids were recorded in Kaabong Town Council and Kaabong West. 

According to Ngorok, the Local Defence Uint-LDU personnel managed to repulse the rustlers and rescued all the livestock.

On April 10, two more raids were reported in Kopoth and Kakamar Sub counties. This week, there have been raids in Lodiko, Loyoro and Kathile Sub Counties and most of the livestock is yet to be recovered.

According to Ngorok, the community is now living in fear over constant raids by the armed suspected Jie warriors.

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According to residents in Abim District, cattle theft is on the rise. Michael Ochieng of Awach Sub County says that many households are complaining about theft of their livestock.

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Last month, the Resident District Commissioner of Abim, Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka revealed that cattle thefts in Karamoja were fuelled by the business community.

He noted that security was investigating reports that some business people from other regions were buying stolen cattle from undesignated areas at night despite the curfew.

Hashaka said that last week at least 130 heads of cattle were stolen by armed Karimojong.  

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Cattle theft in Karamoja had slowed down until recently when local authorities recorded at a raid at least every day in Kaabong.

The 3rd Division Public Relations Officer, Maj. Peter Mugisa says there are plans to reinforce the security personnel in Karamoja to curtail the problem.