The police in in Abim district have arrested seven business people for allegedly defying the curfew.
Abim Resident District Commissioner, Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka says the group was arrested on Tuesday night during an operation he led.
They are identified as Stephen Akol, the driver with a forged driving permit, Moses Ogwang, Joseph Ekulu, Richard Epieu all from Obalanga, Kapelebyiong district. Others are; James Okure and James Osege, both of Amen B village in Soroti Municipality.
The businessmen, all from Teso Sub region were arrested in Alerek in Abim district travelling in a FUSO lorry registration number UBA 279L which refused to stop at two road blocks before they were finally intercepted.
According to Hashaka, four of the suspects were allegedly hiding in the bundles of grass loaded on the FUSO truck that was heading to Kotido district at around 10:00 PM.
The suspects claim to be businessmen but could be the ones behind cattle thefts in Karamoja. However, Hashala argues that cattle raids have been commercialized by unscrupulous business people who load stolen cattle at night and take them to slaughter houses.
The men allegedly attempted to bribe the RDC and the OC Abim Police station in order to be released.
Steven Onencan the Kidepo Regional Police Commander, confirmed the arrest of the suspects saying that he has ordered the police to have the suspects arraigned in court on charges of disobeying lawful orders.
