By Caroline Kanshabe
Amudat, Uganda – The relationship between UPDF soldiers and the Pokot pastoralists of Amudat district in the Karamoja region is currently undergoing a litmus test following the continuous shooting of animals by UPDF soldiers for unclear reasons.
On Tuesday, around 3 pm, a UPDF soldier attached to the 51st battalion allegedly shot dead 30 cows and injured more than 30 others from Kokumoi village, Naborokoca parish, Karita sub-county in Amudat district.
According to Ruto Losia, one of the eyewitnesses who spoke to this publication, the soldiers attached to the 51st battalion crossed the river where animals were taking water and shot dead the animals.
He mentioned that the children who were grazing the animals ran for their lives.
“After shooting the animals in the grazing ground, the soldiers went back without saying anything, and we are all shocked about what could have happened,” he said.
This is the second incident to happen in less than two months. On September 17th this year, another soldier shot dead 18 cows resting inside the holding ground in Moruita sub-county in Nakapiripirit district.
The cows again belonged to the Pokot community. This has not been well received by the leaders of Amudat, who are now suggesting that UPDF was deployed to harm the Pokot community rather than carry out disarmament.
Ms. Betty Chelain, the woman member of parliament for Amudat district, wondered why the army has kept on killing the cows of the Pokot community.
“A month ago, UPDF soldiers deliberately shot dead cows of Amudat people and gave all the meat to the people of Nakapiripirit, and up to now, we don’t know why the soldiers did that. Now, again, another incident has happened. President Museveni should tell the people of Amudat where they belong, either Uganda or Kenya,” she said.
According to Ms. Betty, the army has always been biased against the people of Amudat, adding that when raiders from Nakapiripirit district cross to raid in Amudat, the soldiers tell the Pokot community to protect themselves. However, when the Pokot also cross to Nakapiripirit to raid, all the helicopters are flying all over Amudat, recovering Nakapiripirit cows, which she said indicates something is wrong.
Ms. Chelain said the army commanders in Karamoja have put her on their bad books for always fighting for the rights of the Pokot community.
“Soldiers have promised that they will rig me out in the coming elections, which I don’t mind, but I will die for my people,” she said.
She now calls on the president to pronounce himself on the deliberate killing of Pokot cows by soldiers deployed to protect civilians.
“I remember last time, a driver knocked dead three cows of the president, but the president was so bitter. Now, what will happen with soldiers who are deliberately shooting cows of the Pokot?” she said.
Major James Amuya, the acting UPDF 3rd division spokesperson, confirmed the current development but said they will issue a press statement later.
