Six cattle rustlers were killed by security agencies in the north-eastern Karamoja region and a gun recovered following a Wednesday morning attack on a village.
According to the spokesperson of Uganda Police in charge of East Kyoga region ASP Ongom David Mudong, the attack happened at Aturai village, Okunguru Sub County, Kapelebyong District in which one person was injured prompting security to respond.
A joint security team comprising of Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and Local Defense Units (LDUs) engaged in crossfire exchange with the said rustlers before the six were killed.
The injured has been identified as a one Okiror Faustine, (70) a resident of the village.
During the operation, one SMG Riffle No. 86900 was recovered, according to police.
Cattle rustling in Karamoja region was rampant, leading to the formation of the Police Anti Stock theft Unit in 2006.
In a related incident, in the neighboring Katakwi, three cows were recovered after the rustlers abandoned them, following a pursue by ASTU. Police stated that the recovered animals have since been handed over to the owners.
Under community policing, ASP Mudong says ASTU mobilizes communities in the region to shun cattle and gun rustling since the practice is punishable under the law.
“We call upon residents and all people of Karamoja region to shun this criminality and work with the Police and other security organs to uphold the peace in the region” he said.
