Residents of Kitgum district are reportedly praising Colonel Opira Patrick Acellam, the newly deployed brigade commander of 505 brigade in Pajimo, Kitgum district for working tirelessly toward curbing insecurities cause by persistent cattle rustling in Kitgum district by suspected Karamojong raiders.
Local leaders say since Opira deployment in Kitgum in June 2023, the area is experiencing minimal cases of cattle rustling however most of the looted animals were recovered.
President Yoweri Museveni was in March While meeting the leaders from Acholi sub-region in Baralegi state lodge in Otuke district ordered redeployment of the UPDF commander since those who were already on the ground were reportedly conniving with the cattle raiders.
During an interview with this website, on monday, Honorable Oryem Charles Olweny, the directly elected councilor V for Namokora sub-county says since Col. Opira was posted in Kitgum, people are now settled in their home.
Olweny commends Col. Opira for being a humble servant who is very simple and approachable, adding that Col Opira is a field commander who is always on ground pursuing the raider with his foot soldier. But he commands the office.
The local leader added that Col. Opira is a good communicator, he responds to any phone call and he calls back whenever he misses a call from anybody and he doesn’t use English when communicating to Acholi.
Toodera Johnson Acellam the LCIII Chairperson of Orom sub-county says since Opira deployment in Kitgum, the area has registered no more cases of killing of people by raiders.
Col. Opira was recently elevated from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel, the promotion which has been cherished by all the local people in Kitgum.
Locals believed that it was God that promoted colonel Opira Patrick Acellam on merits hence they are organizing for a thanksgiving prayer schedule for 30th November 2023 in Orom sub-county.
