At least 120 cows that had been stolen by a militia group in the North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo -DRC have been recovered by Uganda military.
The Uganda forces deployed as part of the East African Regional Force to keep peace in DRC recovered the cows yesterday from Nyatura Militia Men operating in the general areas of Kinyandoni, Bwito, Bwisha, Tongo and Binza in Rutshuru territory.
Col Deo Akiiki the deputy Uganda Army spokesperson said the operation was successfully conducted following a timely intelligence and close coordination with the local community of Buhimba Village approximately 09 kilometers from Kiwanja town council.
“The rescue team was able to successfully thwart the theft of the animals and recovered the 120 heads of cattle easily with no exchange of gun fire during the pursuit of the Militia Men,” Col Akiiki said.
The Army handed over the cows to the owner before excited local community of Buhimba village who said that it was the first time animals are stolen, safely recovered from the bandits and handed over to their respective owners.
David Mujungu, the owner of the animals told UPDF rescue team that the Collective Movement for Change (CMC) Nyantura Militia group was behind the theft of his animals.
Mujungu extolled UPDF Contingent for the quick response during the rescue of the animals adding that the Militia Men normally abduct people and ask for ransom from the relatives of the abductees and if not paid in time, they are killed.
“Had the UPDF not responded in time, it would mark the beginning of my poverty and subsequent suffering,” Mujungu said.
Uganda deployed it’s forces known as Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) following a resolution by East Africa community members countries to restore peace in conflict dreaded areas.
Col Akiiki said UPDF Contingent under East will remain resilient, committed, our resolve and determined towards restoration of peace and stability and to secure people’s lives and property as per the EACRF mandate.