At least six armed cattle rustlers have been shot dead on Wednesday by the Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) of the Uganda Police Force in Karamoja.
According to the report, the cattle rustlers were killed after they invaded the home of a man identified as Faustine Okiror, a resident of Aturai village, Airabet parish, Okunguru Sub County in Kapelebyong District who was wounded during the attack.
The incident is said to have happened on Wednesday at around 7:30 pm when a joint security team comprising of ASTU and Local Defence Unit engaged in crossfire exchange with the cattle rustlers.
David Ongom Kyoga, the East Region Public Relations Officer cited that one SMG Riffle No. 86900 was recovered and exhibited.
Cattle rustling in Karamoja region was rampant, leading to the formation of the Police Anti Stock Theft Unit in 2006 and it is stationed in between Teso and Karamoja
Ongom, however, noted that in the neighbouring Katakwi district, three cows were recovered and handed over to the owners, after the rustlers abandoned them, following a pursue by ASTU.
"As part of community policing in the region, ASTU mobilizes and calls upon the community to shun cattle and gun rustling, crimes punishable under the law,"
Police called upon residents and all people of Karamoja region to shun this criminality and work with the Police and other security organs to uphold the peace in the region.
