Katakwi Attack; Army Arrests Seven Karamojongs
Among the arrested is Mr Phillip Logir, the LC1 Chairman for Lokameta village in Poron sub county.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces [UPDF] has arrested seven people believed to have been the masterminds behind the attack of three villages along the Teso- Karamoja borderline, in Ongongoja sub county, Katakwi district.
The raid which took place on the night of 12th May, 2020 at the three villages of Okameta, Oburatum and Akou-Etom, left up to a tune of 570 people living in displacement at Ongongoja Primary School, and the sub county.
The seven [all Karamojong], were arrested by the UPDF 3rd Division Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Balikuddembe, during a security meeting held on Saturday 16th May, 2020, at the border village of Lokameta, in Poron sub county- Napak district.
During the meeting, the commander told the two communities that the UPDF will immediately deploy troops at Lokameta village and a detach will be created. He presented Lietenant Frank Kyazze as the commader for the detach that will be set up as a sustainable measure to solve the unending security problem in the area.
“I am going to arrest even leaders whose people will be involved in raids,” warned the General.
It should be remembered that in 2019, Gen Balikuddembe gave a “shoot to kill order” of Karamojong and Turkana cattle rastlers in Karamoja region.
Gen Balikuddembe is more famous for the operation he led against Al-Shabab as a battle group commander for Group X1 in Somalia in 2013.
He was also the UPDF Overal Operation Lightening Thunder against the Lords Resistance Army [LRA] in the Central African Republic in 2011/12.
Meanwhile, the Usuk County MP, who is also the Minister of State for Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, Peter Ogwang, sounded a serious warning to radio stations that influence conflicts in the two regions.
According to the Minister, the media ought to preach Peace and co-existence between the communities but not violence.
Ogwang however strongly called upon the two communities to embrace living in harmony since they have a common history.
The locals agreed to give land for the establishment of a functional Police station and an army detach.
Also read: https://www.aica.co.ug/2020/05/15/over-500-people-stranded-after-karamojong-attack-in-katakwi/
