A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) sergeant has been killed in a fatal shootout between security forces and suspected South Sudanese cattle rustlers in the border district of Yumbe. The deceased, Sgt. Jonas Mukundane, 42, who was in charge of Kupia army detachment in Kerwa sub-county, was killed alongside an unidentified suspected cattle raider believed to be from South Sudan. The incident occurred on Sunday, April 19, at around 5:00 p.m. in Kupia village, Kupia parish, after security personnel responded to intelligence reports about a group of six men- five reportedly armed with rifles – moving towards Kilaji village. According to police, the alert was raised by a resident who noticed suspicious movements linked to recent cattle rustling incidents in the area and tipped off the UPDF. North West Nile police spokesperson, Collins Asea, said the scene was secured and processed. Mukundane’s body was taken to Gulu Army Division for further management, while the suspected raider’s body was transported to Yumbe regional referral hospital for a post-mortem examination. Asea added that an SMG rifle (Serial Number FY2416) loaded with 26 rounds of ammunition was recovered from the scene and secured as exhibit material at Yumbe Central police station armoury. Speaking on behalf of the UPDF spokesperson for West Nile, 2nd Lt Wilfred Oloya said operations are ongoing to track down the remaining suspects who fled during the confrontation. “The situation is calm and under control. Efforts to apprehend other suspected cattle raiders are ongoing,” he said. The incident comes amid growing concern over cross-border cattle raids in Yumbe district. Two weeks earlier, suspected raiders reportedly stole more than 200 cattle and abducted five people in separate attacks in Kei and Kerwa sub-counties.The post UPDF Sergeant killed in shootout with suspected cattle rustlers in Yumbe appeared first on The Observer.