ABIM, Uganda – Ugandan security forces have recovered 63 head of cattle and 24 goats stolen during an armed cattle raid in Abim District, following a gun battle with suspected Karamojong raiders, police have said.
The raid occurred on 18 July 2026 at around 5:00 p.m. at Oreta Hills in Oreta Sub-county, where livestock was grazing.
According to Uganda Police Force, the attackers are suspected to have been armed warriors from the Jie community in neighbouring Kotido District.
Police said the raiders targeted livestock belonging to two residents of Katurai Village, Kobulin Parish, Apeitolim Sub-county in Napak District.
During the raid, the suspects allegedly drove away 63 cattle and 24 goats before fleeing the area.
The incident was immediately reported to security authorities, prompting a joint response involving the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) based at Aujathogo Detach.
According to police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the joint security team quickly tracked the suspects and intercepted them during their escape.
Police said the raiders exchanged gunfire with the pursuing security personnel before abandoning the stolen animals and fleeing into the surrounding area.
No casualties were reported during the operation, and police did not say whether any suspects had been arrested.
Authorities said all the stolen livestock 63 cattle and 24 goats was successfully recovered.
Police said arrangements are underway to return the animals to their rightful owners after the necessary verification procedures.
Cattle theft has long been a security concern in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region and neighbouring districts, where armed raids have historically fuelled violence and disrupted livelihoods.
Although government-led disarmament operations have reduced the frequency of large-scale raids in recent years, isolated attacks continue to be reported.
Security agencies say joint operations involving the police and the UPDF remain critical in preventing livestock theft and pursuing armed raiders.
Police said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the latest raid.
Authorities have urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activity as security operations against armed cattle raiders continue across the region.
