The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers have killed two cattle rustlers and recovered two guns in the Karamoja sub-region.

The rustlers were shot dead on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, in Acherer, Moruita Sub-county, Nakapiripirit District, after they were intercepted by soldiers attached to the 53rd Infantry Battalion of the UPDF.

Major Moses Amuya, the acting 3rd Division UPDF Spokesperson, said the slain cattle rustlers were part of a larger group that raided twenty (20) heads of cattle from Moru Ngaberu village in Nabilatuk District.

According to Amuya, the unfortunate incident occurred at a time when the sub-region enjoyed relative peace, especially in northern and some parts of southern Karamoja. However, he noted that some items were recovered.

“Items recovered from the slain cattle rustlers include 43 live rounds of ammunition, one pair of the Kenyan Defence Forces uniform, and jerry cans of illicit waragi as other rustlers ran in disarray,” said Maj. Amuya.

Maj. Amuya said some warriors have shifted to the northern parts of Kadama Hills to conduct criminal activities, where they cross to West Pokot in Kenya after raiding animals and killing civilians, and where cows cannot be recovered once they cross the border.

He said the Joint Security Forces continue to monitor the likely warriors’ crossing points to counter their actions and degrade the warriors’ capabilities, especially during the festive season.

This is the latest incident where cattle rustlers have been shot dead by the UPDF soldiers conducting the Usalama Kwa Wote operation to stop rustling in Karamoja.