A Karimojong cattle rustler has been injured after a clash with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Moroto.
The 30-minute clash which took place after midnight today around Nadunget sub county involved Matheniko cattle rustlers and the UPDF.
Major Peter Mugisa, the UPDF 3rd division Spokesperson confirmed the development saying one warrior was injured.
He said the Matheniko warriors of Moroto had crossed to Napak district and raided 37 animals. But Maj. Mugisa said all the 37 animals were later recovered.
“They were about 8 warriors armed with two guns. They crossed from Moroto to raid animals in Napak and our forces learnt of the the development and swung into action and intercepted them,” he said.
Maj. Mugisa said one gun was recovered from the injured warrior adding that no soldier sustained any injuries. He said the injured warrior managed to escape leaving his gun behind.
“We are following the blood dots until we get that injured warrior to lead us to the rest of warriors,”he said. Maj. Mugisa added that the UPDF had pledged to eliminate thuggery in Karamoja sub region so that there is peace.
Joseph Icumar, the chairman peace committee of Kautakou appealed to the government to remove guns from the local defence unit (LDU) personnel saying the guns being used for raiding and killing people are from the LDUs.
Simon Korobe, another concerned resident of Nadunget sub county in Moroto district said as long as the Karimojong LDUs still roam with guns, cattle rustling will not end in the Karamoja region.
