Karamojong Warriors Ambush Boda Boda Rider in Kaabong

Armed Karamojong warriors on Sunday morning ambushed a boda boda rider in Ligot Village, Loyoro Sub-county, Kaabong District, robbing him of a mobile phone and cash. The incident occurred at about 8:30 am when 15 armed warriors reportedly attacked Joseph Lomoe, 21, a boda boda rider.

The assailants held him at gunpoint and stole a button phone valued at Shs80,000 and cash amounting to Shs30,000. Mike Longole, the Mt. Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident and said joint security forces responded swiftly. “They followed footmarks to Ligot Rocks and have intensified foot patrols and ambushes along the Kaabong–Loyoro road and Sidok area,” Longole said.

He added that security teams are pursuing the 15 suspects and working to recover the stolen items. Longole condemned the attack, saying it targeted innocent civilians engaged in transport and trade. “We condemn this act inthe strongest terms. There is no justification for armed violence against civilians,” Longole said.

“Those involved, including the joint team of Dodoth and Jie warriors believed to be operating around Loyoro and Sidok sub-counties, will be tracked, arrested, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” He further revealed that three suspects already identified in Kakamar Sub-county should surrender voluntarily or face forceful arrest. Longole called on communities, elders, and local leaders in Kakamar, Loyoro, and Sidok to denounce criminal elements hiding among them.

“Parents and clan leaders must stop harboring warriors involved in robbery, cattle raids, and gun violence,” he said. “Anyone with information on the suspects’ whereabouts should report immediately to the nearest security detachment or local leaders. Your information will be treated confidentially,” he added. “Criminality will not be tolerated. Peace, trade, and freedom of movement must prevail in Karamoja.”

In a related development, joint security forces in Kween District recovered six head of cattle that had been raided in Sundet Sub-county following a swift response by security agencies and residents. On Saturday, June 20, 2026, at about 11:00 pm, suspected armed Karamojong warriors raided six cattle belonging to Benjamin Cheptoek, 32, a resident of Kapkwaroi Village, Kubobey Parish, Sundet Sub-county, Soi County, Kween District.

Upon receiving the information, security agencies across the Sundet Sub-county area were alerted. An ambush was immediately set up at a suspected crossing point by UPDF personnel from Ngorina Army Detachment. A joint force of ASTU personnel attached to Chepskunya ASTU Zonal Headquarters, together with sister forces from the 53rd Battalion, was placed on standby for reinforcement.

As the suspects were driving the animals, they were sighted by locals who alerted police at Sundet Sub-county Police Station, prompting an exchange of fire. No casualties were reported. All six head of cattle were later recovered from Surumtit Village, Kubobey Parish, Sundet Sub-county. Longole confirmed the incident and said rapid response by security forces and timely information from the community led to the successful recovery of the livestock.

The cattle were handed over on Sunday to the rightful owner in the presence of the LCIII Chairperson of Sundet Sub-county and other local leaders who witnessed the handover. He commended the residents of Sundet Sub-county for their prompt cooperation, which helped prevent loss of life and property. “Residents are urged to continue reporting any suspicious movement of persons or livestock immediately to the nearest police post, ASTU detach, UPDF detach, or local leaders. Community vigilance and cooperation remain key to ending cattle raids in the border areas,” Longole said-URN.

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