Reformed Karamojong Warriors Return to Raiding Cattle, Arrested

The soldiers in 3rd Division headquarters in Moroto have rearrested some of the Karamojong former warriors who voluntarily handed their guns to them last year.

The soldiers arrested a renowned cattle rustler, Peter Achucu Lokiru, who handed over his two AK 47 rifles to the UPDF in July, 2021, when the army launched another phase of forceful disarmament in Karamoja.

Achucu is said to have lived in the jungles since 2016, but surrendered himself to security, promising never to return to cattle raiding.

But the soldiers were shocked to find Achucu, a resident of Mogoth village in Lotisan sub county, involved with another cattle raid. He was arrested alongside Lomuria Ariko, the chairperson of the peace committee in Rupa sub-county for allegedly raiding five cattle from Kotido district.

The duo is among 29 other suspected cattle raiders rounded up during security operations conducted in one month while hunting for illegal gun and cattle theft.

Achucu was also among those in the list of notorious raiders in the region wanted by security but later on, he was pardoned when he voluntarily handed himself to the army at the UPDF 3rd division headquarters in Moroto.

The 3rd division commander Brig. Joseph Balikudembe recently been issuing the cards which have details of the person who voluntarily hands over the gun to security and the cards will be used to benefit from special government programs. It was thus a big blow to learn that Achucu who was targeted as a beneficiary to be arrested in raiding activities again.

Cue in: ‘’this is Mr. Achucu’’..//

Cue out…’’he’s back in the business.’’//

President Museveni while in Morulinga state lodge also directed that a house be constructed for Achucu in recognition of his compliance generosity.

Speaking to URN, Achucu blamed the devil for luring him into theft and delayed support from the government after he handed over his firearms to the UPDF.

He said from the time he handed over the guns, he has never received any single support from the government.

Despite his arrest, Achucu says he’s still motivated and willing to work with the security forces and the local authorities to persuade his fellow warriors to abandon the jungles and hand over their weapons voluntarily.

//cue in: ‘’kitu munye amerudisia…’’//

//cue out:’’……patia ataa mimi na kula.’’//

Brig. Joseph Balikudembe, the UPDF 3rd Division commander, says the government is committed to its promises to the reformed warriors who voluntarily handed over their weapons so long as they are patient.

Brig Balikudembe noted that Achucu was one of those named for special government support to enhance his rehabilitation and settlement; unfortunately, his chances are now minimal.

//cue in : ''they are lucky......//

cue out   : ....''for those ones that have been patient.''//