Kotido leaders demand security to produce 312 Karimojong rustlers

By Elizabeth Ankunda

28^th Oct 2022

A section of local leaders in Kotido district is demanding to know the fate of the 312 suspected Karimojong rustlers who were arrested by the joint security forces and transferred to Acholi.

The suspects who were arrested mid-last month according to the security officials were part of the racket terrorizing people in the districts of Acholi and Lango.

They were picked up mainly from the sub-counties of Kapeta, Kamor, and Lokitelaebu in a cordon and search operations and transferred to Agago, Kitgum, and Pader districts to face charges including rape, murder, and theft.

Alice Logira the district councilor of South and West Divisions while raising the matter of public importance during the council meeting claimed that the leaders are being questioned by locals on the whereabouts of those who were arrested.

Isaiah Lokech the district councilor Kapeta Sub County raised similar concerns adding that several gardens of maize were also burnt in his area during the operations.

Margaret Aleper Achilla the Kotido District Woman MP, however, revealed that some suspects were released after being screened while those who were identified as part of the core criminal list were remanded and transferred to Gulu government prison.

Paul Komol Lotee, the LCV District Chairperson Kotido revealed that with the help of the security officials they were able to secure the release of at least 198 suspects and that the negotiations to have the rest released are ongoing.