Ugandan People's Defense Forces (UPDF) was on Tuesday evening involved in a heavy gunfight with suspected Pokot militants from Kenya.
Nakakpiripirit resident District Commissioner, David Modo said about 16 warriors had raided a kraal in Nakakpiripirit town council, but the UPDF soldiers overpowered them, reports Daily Monitor.
The two sides were engaged in fiery exchanges in the troubled Moroto region, where cases of banditry attacks are a common phenomenon.
“They had targeted animals but two were killed, two guns recovered, while others managed to retreat and ran away,” he said.
UPDF 3rd division spokesperson, Maj Telesphar Turyamumanya confirmed the incident, adding that the army was alert to avert any criminal activities in the area.
“We don’t want thieves to cut short people’s happiness and celebrations mood during the festive season. We are determined, alert and vigilant to keep Karamoja peaceful,” he said.
Two warriors died on the spot and their guns were recovered by the Ugandan troops.
The incident comes barely three days after three other suspected bandits were killed.
In November, President Uhuru Kenyatta held a meeting with Yoweri Museveni in the troubled Moroto region where they called for peace.
The two leaders also pledged to continue with joint disarmament exercise which would target both Karamojong and Pokot warriors.