Five men from the sub-counties of Omodoi, Akoboi, and Ngariam in Katakwi District have been arrested for allegedly collaborating in renewed cattle thefts in the area.
The suspects include Julius Ogwang and Paul Icumar from Atirir Village, Omodoi Sub-county, Toroma County; Godfrey Amodoi from Aipany Village; Richard Elungat from Odike Village and Julius Ongura from Dadas Village, Dadas Parish, Akoboi Sub-county.
Maj. Simon Gidudu, Commander of the Wiski Battalion, confirmed the arrests. He noted that Julius Ogwang was apprehended after fleeing from a kraal, leaving behind his phone, which was recovered as evidence.
He said the suspects will be screened, and those found guilty will face the law. Security forces have resolved to intensify patrols to curb the escalating cattle theft.
Vincent Savior Okwi, Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Katakwi and chairperson of the district security committee, said the arrests followed an incident in which Ogwang was caught with a stolen cow belonging to an unidentified individual.
He was taken to Magoro Barracks for further investigation.
Okwi called on local councilors to remain vigilant and report any cattle thieves or collaborators to authorities to help dismantle the criminal network.
Geoffrey Omolo, Katakwi LCV Chairperson and member of the district security committee, echoed the call for community vigilance in reporting criminal activity.
Ogwang has denied involvement in any theft, while the other suspects claim they were implicated by him, whom they described as a “hardened criminal.”
