Authorities in Uganda’s unrest-ridden Karamoja Sub Region have confirmed that four people, including a local leader and two Uganda People’s Defence Force officers, have been killed by unidentified suspected Jie warriors.
When the warriors opened fire in Lopuyo Trading Centre, killing Moses Lomuria, the chairman of Longaroe Sub County LC3, authorities claim they were armed with about six AK-47 rifles.
According to Maj Moses Amuya, deputy spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Force 3rd division, other soldiers killed during the 3 pm (local time) attack included Lt. Issa Mayende and Private David Mwanika, who were all members of the 43 Battalion under Brigade 3’s infantry division.
Peter Lokol, who was with the group and was carrying a briefcase, was identified as the other murdered civilian by Maj. Amuya on Monday.
“He has been very instrumental in negotiating peace between the suspected armed warriors and the security apparatus in a bid to pacify Kotido District and Karamoja,” Uganda People’s Defence Force said in a statement.
The attack, according to Kotido District LCV Chairperson Paul Lokol Lotee, was “regrettable.” He also noted that according to intelligence reports, the warriors had been pursuing Lokol because they believed him to be an officer of the Uganda People’s Defence Force informant.
The district leader also said that Lokol has been pro-development.
“At the time of his death, he had lobbied for a Shs900 million water project from UNICEF. It is unfortunate that he has been killed before he could enjoy his fruits,” Lotee said.
Maj Amuya revealed that “the criminals are still at large.”
“Otherwise, we are still pursuing them to have them arrested,” he remarked.
Kotido RDC, Ambrose Onoria noted that the shooting occurred at a time when Tanzania and Kenya are benchmarking on aspects of peace among nomadic pastoralists.
“Security will keep pleading with armed Jie warriors to surrender.” Those who fail and are caught up in criminal activity will face the consequences,” he warned.
The attack on Sunday comes just three weeks after the Uganda People’s Defence Force’s top brass from the 3 division held a peace meeting in neighbouring Napak District, calling on the Karimojongs to put an end to gun violence.
Hundreds of Ugandans have been reported killed by armed warriors in the Karamoja Sub Region over the last five years during deadly operations that have also resulted in the theft of thousands of livestock.
