By KT Reporter
Suspected Karamojong warriors have raided Abilnino village, Lira-Kato Sub-county in Agago District, killing one person and injuring another in separate incidents. Charles Okidi Oryema, 26, also known as Kiza, was shot dead around 9:30 pm on Sunday after returning home from watching a football match.
He reportedly saw someone moving among his goats and suspected thieves, but he was ambushed and shot in the lower abdomen. Hours later, at around 11 pm, Bosco Ogura, 29, was also attacked while crossing the Awuch Stream Bridge in the same village. He was shot in the left shoulder and is currently being treated at Kalongo Hospital in Agago District.
Local leaders have condemned the attack, expressing frustration over the persistent insecurity. Abilnino Parish Councilor John Okulu said the continued killings are robbing the community of its future, questioning why armed Karamojong warriors still terrorize civilians when firearms are the monopoly of the security forces. He called for increased government intervention, saying the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) is struggling to contain the situation.
Kite Ojok Okidi, Lira-Kato Sub-county chairperson, accused authorities of inaction despite holding several meetings to address the crisis. He suggested that either locals be armed for self-defense or the UPDF presence be strengthened. He also criticized the government’s failure to compensate victims of the Karamojong warriors’ attacks, with some dead, others injured, and properties lost.
Inspector of Police Joe Oloya, the East Acholi Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident and said a team was investigating. Sub-county authorities stated that no arrests had been made. Residents of Agago District continue to demand urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed. According to statistics from local leaders in Agago District, over 100 people were killed by Karamojong warriors from 2018 to 2023 in 11 out of 26 sub-counties, while a total of 1,632 cattle and 2,685 goats were looted-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
