Cattle theft is not a new phenomenon in Kenya’s Baringo County, where cows are a vital source of wealth and prestige. But ahead of Uganda’s celebrations to mark National Resistance Movement day on January 26,a Ugandan minister has given a shoot-to-kill order against any Kenyan pastoralist who enters the country while armed.
The State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Mr Moses Kizige, gave the order to Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Amudat during the celebrations to mark National Resistance Movement day on January 26.
Karamoja is located in the northeastern part of Uganda; it’s a 27,200 square kilometer area of semi-arid savannah, bush and mountains. To the east, its bordered by the Turkana (Kenya); to the north is the Sudan; to the west and south are Ugandan districts populated by Acholis, Itesots and Sabiny people.
He said that while the government had disarmed Karimojong warriors, their peace was being threatened by armed Pokot and Turkana cattle rustlers from Kenya and South Sudan.
“The government didn’t disarm the Karimojong to allow armed pastoralists from neighbouring countries to disturb them. We shall now start killing them to save the lives of our harmless people in Karamoja,” he said.
Mr Kizige, however, said that Uganda was ready to help disciplined neighbours.
The celebrations under the theme: “A moment of glory that set a new chapter for unity, peace and prosperity in Uganda,” were the first to be held in Amudat District.
Amudat Resident District Commissioner Robert Adyama urged leaders to respect national functions.
He said that through such functions, the public remained informed on government policies.
Most herders from Turkana like their Samburu herders, always take a gun whenever they drive cattle to the river.
One bullet in the chamber, eight more in the magazine. They say that you always run into Pokot herders by the river, and although they never attack aimlessly, One needs to be prepared. Pokot raiders have stormed Turkana village in the past.