By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Local authorities in Arinyapi Sub County, Adjumani District, in Uganda’s North West Nile Region, have reported the arrest and detention of two suspected cattle raiders believed to be from South Sudan.
The arrests relate to the theft of an unspecified number of cattle from residents of Arinyapi Sub County.
According to John Sabuni, the District Local Councilor (DLC) for Arinyapi Sub County, the incident occurred last week when an entire kraal (cattle enclosure) was raided, and the perpetrators made off with herds of cattle.
Sabuni stated that after the raid was reported, security personnel pursued the attackers, recovered the stolen cattle, and arrested two suspects. Other alleged raiders remain at large.
“No identification cards were found on them at the time of arrest, but based on their physical appearance, one could conclude that they are from Dinka communities in South Sudan,” said Sabuni.
Although Sabuni could not provide the exact number of cattle stolen, local media outlets reported that 200 cattle were recovered from the two arrested suspects.
The suspects were intercepted in the neighboring Amuru District, across the River Unyama, while attempting to cross back into South Sudan.
Arinyapi Sub County, located in Uganda’s Adjumani District, shares a border with South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State.
Sabuni noted that residents in the sub-county have lived in fear for a long time due to recurrent incursions by cattle raiders from South Sudan.
The area councilor attributed the persistent cattle theft in the sub-county to poorly controlled border crossings between South Sudan and Uganda.
“Although police and army are doing their best, the security situation is alarming because the border is open and criminals can easily enter Uganda and leave at will when police are not aware, the situation is wanting, and people are insecure because of rampant raids and cattle theft,” added Sabuni.