UPDF Arrests three, strongly warns local criminal gang over cattle theft

Arrests Made in Uganda for Livestock Theft

Agago – Three individuals suspected of collaborating with local criminal gangs involved in livestock theft have been apprehended by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

The individuals taken into custody are Denis Odong, aged 24, Sharon Abalo, aged 28, and Anah Ajok, aged 27.

In the early hours of Friday, Odong was apprehended with five stolen goats that belonged to Rose Akidi, aged 52, from Otumpili East, Pacer Parish, Parabongo Sub County in Agago District.

Abalo, who runs a bar, has allegedly been purchasing stolen goats and cows, slaughtering them, and selling the beef and mutton to her customers as ‘mchomo’ in the evening. She also serves the meat in her restaurant.

Ajok, a tailor, has also been involved in buying stolen cattle, which she then sells to individuals outside Agago.

The UPDF issued a stern warning upon the arrest, stating that all criminals will be treated as cattle raiders due to the threat they pose to the UPDF’s efforts to combat this illegal activity in Lango and parts of the East Acholi sub-region.

During a press conference in Labwodong, Agago district on Friday (July 14, 2023), Colonel Gai Mpadwa, the Second in Command of the 5th Infantry Division, presented the three suspects, whom he believes are collaborators with local criminal gangs.

Mpadwa informed local leaders and journalists that warriors from the Karamoja districts have been causing chaos, but the UPDF is intensifying its efforts to reduce these raids and ultimately eliminate them.

He expressed concern over the new trend of local individuals disguising themselves as Karamojong warriors to steal from unsuspecting victims.

Mpadwa revealed that these collaborators and criminal gangs have turned the raids into a commercial enterprise, as they steal cows or goats, skin them, and sell the meat to local restaurants. This makes it challenging for the army to track them down.

“Cease stealing from your own community, or else you will face dire consequences,” warned Colonel Mpadwa.

He emphasized that all collaborators, criminal gangs, and sympathizers will be brought before the courts of law and face appropriate charges.

Mpadwa called upon local leaders and the population to join forces with the UPDF in eradicating cattle raids to ensure peace prevails in the region.

Stephen Ochan, the LC3 Chairman of Parabongo Sub County, Agago district, expressed his disappointment, stating that it is shameful for the people of Agago and Parabongo to be stealing from one another while pretending to be Karamojong warriors.

“I have witnessed this with my own eyes and heard the confessions of what has been happening. It is no longer deniable,” said Chairman Ochan.

The determined Chairman requested that the army treat collaborators and criminal gangs with the same severity as they do Karamojong warriors.

“Do not show them any mercy; let them face the consequences of their actions. Why should our people take such risks, especially when they are aware that armed forces have been deployed to maintain peace in our area?” questioned Chairman Ochan.

He stressed that Karamojong warriors are known for stealing cattle, not household items, money, chickens, or pigs.

“This clearly indicates that we are stealing from our own community while disguising ourselves as warriors,” he pointed out.

The UPDF assured residents that operations to combat cattle theft have been intensified, and investigations into the arrested suspects are still ongoing.