At least 200 suspected cattle rustlers were picked up in joint security operations in Kotido district on Thursday, the UPDF 3rd Division Commander Brig. Joseph Balikudembe has revealed.
“We sat with our counterparts in Agago and agreed to arrest all the rustlers involved in stealing animals from Agago and Otuke districts. As we speak right now we had operations in Kotido and we have arrested 200 people whom we are going to screen,” he said.
He also noted that the joint operation conducted by the Army and Anti Stock Theft Unit-ASTU saw several animals impounded pending their transfer to Agago and Otuke districts for identification.
Addressing journalists at the 3rd Division headquarters in Moroto municipality on Thursday, Brig. Joseph Balikudembe, said the suspects have been transferred to Agago and Otuke districts where they will face the law.
On several occasions, rustlers mainly from Kotido district have been crossing to Agago to steal animals where they would also kill residents. Joseph Komol, the Kotido LC V Chairperson, says that the operation is still ongoing and cautioned locals to desist from rustling.
“I have no sympathy with criminals if you are caught in the wrong you will face the law,” he said. Betty Nangiro, a Women’s Peace Activist in Kotido has appealed to security to make sure that they do proper screening to avoid victimizing innocent people.