The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Amuru, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Amuru district authorities are concerned about the rampant influx of armed South Sudanese nationals. Armed South Sudanese nationals have been roaming Pachilo and Okidi Parishes in Atiak sub county, raiding cattle and attacking army establishments.
Wilfred Odiya Baguma, the Atiak sub county LC III chairperson says that armed South Sudanese mostly enter Pachilo through Merijo. He says some of them enter the area herding cattle and hunt animals with fire arms.
According to Odiya, they have also registered several cases of theft and robbery involving the South Sudanese in the Parish. Recently, police arrested two South Sudanese nationals in Elegu for stealing watermelons and cattle. Susan Anek, a 50-year-old resident of Okidi in Atiak sub county says that she has lost over 10 goats to the armed men.
She wants the authorities to deploy more UPDF personnel along the borders to improve security. Geoffrey Oceng Osborn, the Amuru Resident District Commissioner says two weeks ago, armed South Sudanese shot dead a UPDF officer only identified as Lance Corporal Oketch in a gun fire exchange after they illegally entered Uganda.
Oceng says that he is also going to consult with UPDF on the possibility of establishing an army detachment in Okidi Parish to man the borders which are not clearly demarcated. Recently, security intercepted 3 armed South Sudanese nationals who had raided 72 heads of cattle from Elegu town council in Amuru district.
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