On Thursday, April 20th, security authorities in the Lango sub-region blocked an emergency meeting convened by the leaders to discuss the rampant cattle raids in the area by the suspected Karamojong cattle warriors.
Several district LCV, LCIII Chairpersons, and council speakers, including some seven journalists, were temporarily detained by the police in Otuke district, claiming the intended meeting that was slated to take place at Acanpii Primary School, Ogwete Sub County, in Otuke district was illegal and could be used to cause incitement among the public.
While addressing the press shortly after being released by the police, the leaders led by David Kennedy Odongo, the Alebtong LCV Chairperson and the Dean of all the LCV Chairpersons and Mayors in Lango sub-region, demanded immediate intervention by the government to stop what they termed “daily cattle raids” in Otuke district.
The leaders further demanded an immediate change of UPDF commanders at the 3rd Division, especially those deployed and operating along borderlines between Lango and Karamoja regions.In the clip below, DK Odongo, the Dean of all LCV Chairpersons and Mayors in Lango addressing the press after being released.
In a message read on their behalf by Odongo, the leaders want the government to consider reinstating the former Amuka Auxiliary Force to support the UPDF and Police in the fight against cattle rustlers, adding that the government should also deliver relief items to the affected persons whose animals have been raided and those whose relatives were killed. In the clip below, DK Odongo, the Dean of all LCV Chairpersons and Mayors in Lango addressing the press after being released.
The leaders also want the government to provide effective patrol vehicles to the police to ensure an efficient response whenever the rustlers conduct a raid.
Odongo said it wasn’t necessary to arrest political leaders who were on their legal mandates to serve the people.
The deputy RDC of Otuke, Geoffrey Okol said the meeting was illegal and the district security Committee was never informed about the intentions of the meeting.
Susan Abeja, the Otuke district woman MP, last week confirmed that the defence minister is scheduled to visit Otuke district to ascertain the current deteriorating security situation.
The minister is expected on April 27th in Otuke district, according to MP Abeja.
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Mps should consider amendment to gathering laws otherwise our interest shall always be turned down
Big up’s to oureaders. The struggle continues until no case of theft of animals is registered. Maintain your focus. Nothing bad shall come your way.
For real what happened in Otuke is so dismaying to the local that are suffering in the hands of the karamojong cattle raiders.
To calm the situation movement with animals on truck or even footing should be fully abolish
If the security committee of the district was not informed then the RDC was rivht in his response. Only that he over reacted.