UPDF Guns Recovered In Kenya

Kenyan Police Officers on Monday recovered two guns stolen from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers by suspected Sabiny rustlers.The guns were recovered after a cordon and search operation on their settlements in the Kenya’s Trans-Zoia West district. They were found at Chiemunin village, some 248 kilometres South East of Moroto Town near the Kenyan border town of Kitale.

The Army says two attackers armed with a machete hacked one of the soldiers on night duty into comma at a detachment in Bukwo district before fleeing with the guns at around 11pm. The incident happened two weeks ago. The soldier now admitted at Bukwo Hospital has been identified as Private Godfrey Odom Okello.

Second Lieutenant Ronald Ovon, a UPDF communication staff based at 407 Brigade overseeing Bukwo sector and Nakapiripirit district, confirms the incident. He explains that the assailants took the soldier unaware as a colleague had gone to have supper. He notes that the stolen Sub Machine guns number 14130774 and 4800740 plus 150 rounds of ammunition were recovered still intact.

Ovon commends the Kenyan police for their action in recovering the rifles. He adds that through such responses there will be a reduction in illegal possession of arms. He says the guns will be handed over to Uganda once arrangements are finalized by both countries.

John Watenyeri, the Resident District Commissioner-Bukwo, says the Kenyan security have indicated to Uganda the togetherness needed in the East African Community.

Elsewhere, the UPDF in Nakapiripirit District have arrested a man suspected of sneaking into an army detachment and injuring a soldier at night recently.

Apuna Natebo Loote, 26, reportedly shot Private Amos Ainebyona and took off with his Sub Machine Gun. He is a resident of Nakobebe village, Nakatalapany parish in Nabilatuk Sub County.

The army has recovered 12 sub machines guns and 34 rounds of ammunition in the last six weeks of cordon and search operations in Nakapiripirit district.