Tepeth Cattle Rustlers Given Ultimatum to Return Guns, Stolen Livestock

By : Hason Mutunzi Bwambale

Moroto, Uganda – In a bid to restore peace and security in the region, the joint security forces have given an ultimatum of seven days to the cattle rustlers from the Tepeth community in Moroto to voluntarily hand over their illegal guns and stolen livestock. The decision was announced at a security-community meeting held at Lokidet village, Katikikile Sub-county, where community leaders and senior security officers were present.

Addressing the gathering, 3 Division Deputy Commander Brigadier General Felix Busizoori expressed concern over the loss of multiple lives due to gun violence and urged the Tepeth community to surrender all illegal firearms within the stipulated time frame. He stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law and underscored the need for the community to cooperate with the security forces and the respective disarmament committees.

Brigadier General Busizoori also implored community leaders to mobilize the cattle rustlers to return the stolen cows to the rightful owners, emphasizing the significance of transparency and trust in the handover process. He encouraged individuals who voluntarily hand over their guns to not fear prosecution but instead assured them that they would receive a disarmament certificate which would enable them to benefit from government programs.

Members of Parliament, Hon. Lolem Mica and Hon. Albert Lokuru, representing Upe County in Amudat and Tepeth County in Moroto district, respectively, applauded the efforts of the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) for their commitment to maintaining peace and protecting the civilian population. They urged their constituents to denounce criminality and called upon them to advocate for peace within the Tepeth community.