K’jong rustlers gun down Kotido resident over alleged ‘snitching’
Suspected armed Karimojong cattle rustlers from Kotido district have shot and killed a resident on suspicion of collaborating with security forces.
The deceased, Longola Nakuny, 32, was a resident of Napoong Cell in Lokitelaebu town council. He was gunned down on Tuesday at around 9:00 pm while returning home.
According to reports, he was shot three times – twice in the chest and once in the head. This marks the second targeted killing of individuals accused of working with the armed forces in recent weeks.
Earlier, on June 16, lance corporal Francis Ilukol Lowok Dedeng, a soldier on a two-year study leave at Kotido secondary school, was fatally shot at around 7:00 p.m while socializing at Kanalobai trading centre in Maaru sub-county.
He was allegedly killed over suspicions of leaking information to the security services. Local authorities in Lokitelaebu, speaking anonymously due to security concerns, said Nakuny had earlier been seen at the UPDF detachment in Lokitelaebu, and later conversing with army officers.
This fueled suspicion among the armed rustlers that he was collaborating with the army. Kotido district police commander, Hussein Ssekalema, confirmed the killing and said police investigations are ongoing.
Ssekalema appealed to the public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. One person has been arrested so far to aid in the investigation. Police say they are pursuing four individuals connected to Nakuny’s murder.
Kotido deputy resident district commissioner John Magezi condemned the attack, warning that such incidents risk reversing the region’s security gains. Magezi also urged the youth to refrain from criminal activities, warning that those found guilty risk prosecution before the court martial. He called for calm, assuring residents that security agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators.
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