Statistics from the Agago district have revealed that at least 100 people have so far been killed by armed Karimojong cattle rustlers in various parts of the district in the last five years. The data compiled by local leaders in Agago District indicates that at least 11 sub-counties out of 26 have been frequently targeted between 2018 and 2023 by the rustlers from the neighboring Karamoja region.
The rustlers are suspected to be Jie warriors who inhabit Kotido district that borders Agago to the North East. The most affected area that has seen persistent invasions of the warriors and highest recorded attacks is Lira Kato Sub-county where 47 local residents were gruesomely murdered through shooting in the last five years.
The data further indicates that ten people have been killed in Omiya Pacwa Sub-county, two in Adilang Town Council, three from Kuywee Sub-county, eight from Paimol, two from Parabongo, thirteen from Adilang sub-county, ten in Lai Mutto, and five from Lapono Sub-county. The report also shows that a total of 109 people sustained severe injuries resulting from the attacks, which has left some with permanent disabilities, and trauma while 116 houses were torched by the attackers.
During the same period, 1,632 cattle, and 2,685 goats from the various sub-counties were also reported to have been looted by the armed warriors. Lira Kato Sub-county saw the highest number of cattle looted at 453 while Lapono Sub-county registered 583 cases of goats looted.
According to Agago District LC V Chairperson Leonard Ojok, the persistent attacks by cattle rustlers have affected agriculture in the district due to insecurity. He says the majority of the locals who survive through farming have been forced to abandon their fertile strips of land for their safety, a move that has resulted in food insecurity.
He says that the recent government intervention in bolstering security has helped to reduce the scale of attacks, but more needs to be done in opening security roads to facilitate wider patrol by security personnel.
