Security foil cattle raiding in Acholi, raiders turn to cooked food
As the new school term begins, this vicious cycle of violence and desperation persists.
Acholi: Authorities in Agago and Kitgum districts are implementing preventive measures to protect communities from cattle raiders, urging residents to prepare cooked beans and pigeon pea sauces.
This strategy aims to deter potential brutality from suspected cattle raiders, particularly in sub-counties known for such attacks.
Leonard Opiyo, chairperson of the Agago District Local Council V, has observed a troubling trend: raiders, often traveling long distances, seek out villagers not just for food but to sustain themselves during covert operations.
With the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) tightening security, stealing cattle has become increasingly difficult for the raiders. In response, they have resorted to stealing smaller livestock, such as goats and chickens, to survive while evading law enforcement.
Opiyo revealed a grim reality: invaders often demand large meals from women in the community. Households that refuse face severe consequences, including brutal beatings or even death. To minimize such threats, local officials are advising families to prepare food in advance, effectively anticipating “unexpected visitors.”
A woman from Omiya Pachau sub-county in Agago District, who spoke anonymously for safety reasons, shared her fears, explaining that families now cook larger portions to avoid violent encounters.
The region has witnessed a troubling surge in cattle raids, with hotspots identified in Kitgum’s Orom East, Kiteny, Orom, and Namokora sub-counties, as well as Agago’s Lapono, Paiamol, Omiya Pachua, and Adilang districts.
Community leaders have noted a startling trend: some raiders are actually students, driven by desperation to fund their school fees. Nelson Bruno, LCIII chairperson of Orom East sub-county, disclosed that several suspected raiders killed in confrontations with security forces were found carrying school identification cards, and many of those captured were still of school-going age.
As the new school term begins, this vicious cycle of violence and desperation persists.
In an effort to restore order, security personnel, in collaboration with local leaders, have imposed a temporary curfew in Namokora sub-county to prevent nighttime movements and enhance security oversight.
Authorities are also advising residents to keep their livestock in communal kraals, as intelligence reports suggest that raiders target areas where animals roam freely.
However, Ronald Ongoda, deputy resident district commissioner of Karenga, has strongly refuted claims that students are involved in cattle raiding. According to him, the real perpetrators are criminals, possibly driven by substance abuse, who have migrated from Karamoja due to increased security measures.
Ongoda has urged security forces in the Acholi subregion to step up anti-crime initiatives and remain vigilant amid rising concerns.
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