Kotido Subcounty boss gunned down

An unidentified assailant armed with an AK-47 rifle shot and killed Mario Lotyang Lokaino, a resident of Kethimer village.

KOTIDO | Police in Karamoja have launched a manhunt following the fatal shooting of Mario Lotyang Lokaino, chairperson of Kotido Subcounty, on the evening of September 14.

The incident occurred at Lokitela Ebu Trading Centre, where an unidentified assailant armed with an AK-47 rifle shot and killed Lokaino, a resident of Kethimer village.

Karamoja regional police spokesperson, Mike Longole, confirmed the swift response by joint security forces, including the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).

These units have been deployed to track down the perpetrators of the attack.

The body of the deceased has been taken to Kotido Health Center IV for a postmortem examination as investigations commence.

While the motive behind the murder remains unclear, Longole assured the public that regular updates would be provided as new information emerges.

"The joint security team is continuing the manhunt for the criminals responsible for this heinous act. We urge the public to remain calm as we carry out our operations," Longole stated.

The killing has sparked shock and outrage within the community, with residents demanding justice and calling for increased security in the region.

"We pray that the culprits are arrested and prosecuted swiftly," said Joseph Achilla, a resident of Kotido.

This tragic event comes amid a disturbing rise in attacks targeting local leaders in Kotido. In July 2023, suspected warriors killed Moses Lomuria, the chairperson of Longaroe Subcounty, along with a Uganda People's Defence Forces soldier, Lt. Issa Mayende, in a similar attack at Narubela Trading Centre.

The suspect in that case, John Modo Apakori, was arrested a month later and subsequently sentenced.

Authorities are hopeful that the current manhunt will yield results and bring an end to the violence threatening local leadership in Kotido.