GULU –The army has heightened security vigilance in Amuru district along the porous border points with neighbouring South Sudan following a rise in the theft of livestock during the festive season.
According to security officials, the porous border points have aided the undetected influx of suspected criminals from the neighbouring Nimule Township who loot cattle and goats for sale in the war-torn zones of South Sudan.
Amuru RDC, Stephen Odong Latek said on Wednesday that security personnel were not taking any chances this festive season, revealing that heavy deployment of soldiers along the porous borderline.
He notes that the district security committee was well prepared to counter any influx of thugs along the borderline that threatens the security of the populace during the festive season.
According to Latek cross border cattle theft had been high in the past but the incidents had subsided due to the joint engagements with security personnel in Amuru and South Sudan.
For instance, three weeks ago, unknown armed men invaded a kraal in Atiak Sub-county and looted 64 cattle, before disappearing into South Sudan.
Latek however said through cooperation, they were able to recover 60 of the stolen cattle, which have since been handed back to their owners.
Kenneth Okot, the Greater Atiak Sub-County Chairperson however revealed that they were encountering livestock thefts on a weekly basis by thugs from the neighbouring Nimule Township in Magwi County.
Okot said the incidents have been reported in the two parishes of Pacilo and Okidi in Atiak Sub-county where more than 10 cattle and six goats have been looted in the last two weeks.
He noted that the Sub-county leadership had already engaged the army who have since deployed along all the porous border points to curb the influx of the thugs.
“Soldiers have already been deployed in the areas that are known for being porous. This is expected to restore security,” he said.
Okot also noted that the sub-county security committee had instituted strict measures on the movement of animals, adding that those without proper documents won’t be allowed to move out with livestock.
In October, the UPDF recovered nine guns from rebel defectors who illegally crossed into the country through porous entry points in Amuru district.
Additional reporting by URN
