KAMPALA, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan military said on Monday that armed cattle rustlers killed four people, including two soldiers, in the country's northeastern district of Kotido.
Moses Amuya, a public information officer from the military, told Xinhua by telephone that the suspects, allegedly from the Jie ethnic group, killed a detachment commander, a soldier, a local leader and another civilian at the Lopuyo trading center in Kotido on Sunday afternoon.
"It was an unfortunate incident. As UPDF (Uganda People's Defense Forces), we strongly condemn this barbaric act," Amuya said. "We are tracking the suspects to apprehend (them)."
The suspects reportedly managed to run away with the soldier's gun.
The Karamoja region in northeastern Uganda is known for its traditional cattle herding practices, and cattle play a central role in Karamojong culture and economy. However, livestock theft happens from time to time, which has been a source of conflict between different ethnic groups in the region.
The Ugandan military is currently carrying out a disarmament operation to stem the practice. ■
