Local leaders from Lango have convened what they termed an “emergency sub-regional meeting” to discuss an immediate way forward against the rampant cattle raids by the Karamojong rustlers.
David Kennedy Odongo, the Chairperson of all LCV Chairperson and Mayors in the Lango sub-region, said the meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 20th, and shall be held at Otuke district headquarters.
“Due to rampant cattle raids and threats by the Karamojong rustlers in Otuke and other districts, we have decided that as leaders of the Lango sub-region, we will call an emergency sub-regional meeting in Otuke next Thursday to show our concerns to the government and find a lasting remedy to these atrocities inflicted by the purported thugs on our people,” Odongo announced.
According to Odongo, as leaders, they are in charge of the welfare of the people of Lango; therefore, they cannot just watch the continued rustling of animals take place.
“People are dying and losing their animals as we sit and watch. This is not acceptable in the modern era. Let’s rise up as people entrusted with power and authority. All the security commanders, intelligence officers, political and religious leaders, and other stakeholders have been invited for the meeting,” he added.
Recently, Members from Otuke District, led by Woman MP Susan Abeja Okello, petitioned Parliament, demanding immediate intervention by the government to end rampant cattle rustling in the area.
On Saturday, MP Abeja confirmed that officials from the Ministry of Defence, led by the Minister, are scheduled to visit Otuke district on April 27th in an attempt to resolve the crisis.
She notes that since the beginning of this year, Karamojong cattle rustlers have continued to conduct repeated raids and attack civilians.
“There have been constant raids by cattle rustlers from Karamoja, especially in Otuke district. Our people have lost animals and lives and have abandoned farming due to the increasing insecurity inflicted on them by the raiders,” MP Abeja said.
Francis Abola, the Chairperson of LCV Otuke District, said the meeting aims to pass resolutions that will be forwarded to the Central Government for action.
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