An unidentified man suspected of stealing livestock was severely beaten by an angry mob in Kakingol Village, Katikekile Sub-county, Moroto District, after being caught allegedly driving goats stolen from neighboring Rupa Sub-county.
Eyewitnesses say residents intercepted the suspect on his way back and subjected him to a brutal flogging before handing him over to authorities.
Peter Lokol, who witnessed the incident, said the suspect confessed during the assault that he had carried out the theft with five other accomplices, who managed to escape.
“He was caught with the goats. The youth started flogging him until he admitted stealing. He pleaded for forgiveness, but no one listened,” Lokol said.
The suspect, tied up during the beating, sustained severe injuries as residents continued to mete out what they described as community justice.
Vigilante punishment of suspected cattle raiders has become increasingly common in Karamoja, where repeated livestock thefts and limited police presence fuel public anger.
In Kotido District, several suspected rustlers have in the past been stoned to death by mobs, highlighting escalating frustration over recurring livestock thefts.
Moroto police condemned the attack, saying investigations are underway to identify and arrest those responsible.
“We understand the community’s frustration, but taking the law into their own hands is criminal. We are investigating and will bring the culprits to book,” said Mike Longole, Karamoja Police spokesperson.
Authorities urged residents to report suspected criminals to the police rather than resorting to violence, warning that mob justice undermines the rule of law and puts innocent lives at risk.