Security forces in Katakwi District have arrested five men suspected of being behind a spate of renewed cattle thefts in the sub-counties of Omodoi, Akoboi, and Ngariam.
The suspects are believed to be part of a network collaborating to steal livestock from local communities, raising fresh concerns about security in the region.
The arrested individuals include Julius Ogwang and Paul Icumar from Atirir Village in Omodoi Sub-county, Toroma County; Godfrey Amodoi of Aipany Village; Richard Elungat of Odike Village; and Julius Ongura of Dadas Village in Akoboi Sub-county.
According to Maj. Simon Gidudu, Commander of the Wiski Battalion, the arrests followed a tip-off after Ogwang fled a kraal where a stolen cow had been kept.
“Ogwang’s phone dropped during the escape, and this served as a critical exhibit linking him to the scene. We are currently screening all suspects, and those found guilty will face the full force of the law,” Gidudu said.
The army commander also revealed that the military has intensified patrols across the affected sub-counties to curb the resurgence of livestock theft, which had previously been brought under control.
Vincent Savior Okwi, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Security Committee, confirmed the arrests, noting that Ogwang was found in possession of a stolen cow on Wednesday.
He was apprehended and taken to Magoro Barracks for interrogation, leading to the capture of the other suspects.
“We call upon local leaders, especially LC1 chairpersons, to remain vigilant and report suspected cattle thieves and their collaborators to security authorities. This will help us dismantle the wider network threatening the safety of our communities,” Okwi urged.
Geoffrey Omolo, Katakwi LCV Chairperson and a member of the District Security Committee, echoed the call for community vigilance, stressing that residents must play an active role in fighting criminality.
However, Julius Ogwang denied the allegations, saying he was not involved in any theft. The other suspects claimed their names were only mentioned by Ogwang, whom they described as a “hardened criminal.”
The five suspects were by Thursday being held at Ngariam Army Barracks as investigations continue.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to restoring law and order in Katakwi and bringing perpetrators of livestock theft to justice.