Two soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) have been sentenced to 18 months in prison for dereliction of duty that resulted in cattle theft by Karamojong raiders.
The soldiers, Privates Onen Kenneth, 30, and Omoding John Okot, 45, both from the 79 Battalion, 507 Brigade, admitted to abandoning their post in Kabala village, Agago District, on the night of December 22. They were assigned to guard a kraal but deserted their position and returned in the morning to find the cattle had been stolen.
The sentence was delivered by the Field Unit Disciplinary Court, chaired by Lt Col Nathan Mwesigwa, in Parabong Sub-County.
Lt Col Richard Watmon, Commander of the 507 Brigade, issued a stern warning to soldiers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining vigilance, especially during the dry season when cattle raids are more common. He stated, “Anyone neglecting their duty will face conviction.”
He also cautioned civilians against opposing government initiatives to build protected kraals, warning that those allowing their animals to roam outside secured areas would be arrested and prosecuted.
Maj Warren Muhangi, Commander of the 79th Battalion, urged local communities to collaborate with security forces by providing intelligence on suspicious activities and improving the quality of their kraals to prevent raids.
Cattle thefts by Karamojong and South Sudanese raiders are reportedly on the rise in the dry season, and communities have been advised to stay alert and work closely with security forces to protect their livestock.