The UPDF under the third division command has released and handed over six suspected Turkana cattle rustlers who were arrested with guns inside Uganda.

The third division deputy commander, Brig.Gen.Felix Busizoori while handing over the suspects to the Kenyan delegation from Turkana said the move is a gesture of the East African community brotherhood.

Brig.Gen.Busizoori however urged the Turkana government to penalize the suspects for breaching the memorandum of understanding signed between Uganda and Kenya in 2019, once they arrive home.

He warned that the diplomatic pardon should not be taken for granted, adding that such a move will not be taken again in the event of other suspects being arrested in future.

Cue//…Brig.Gen.Busizoori.

Busizoori on the other hand says high level strategic talks are ongoing regarding the Turkana convicts who are already serving sentences in Uganda.

While receiving the suspects, Peter Eripete-the county secretary and head of public service Turkana County government said the two communities of the Karimojong and Turkana should respect the agreement signed by Uganda and Kenya as they share resources.

Eripete commended the government of Uganda for allowing Turkana pastoralists to graze and water their animals in the country following long spells of drought in Turkana land.

Cue//…Eripete.

This new development comes following a high level meeting between Ugandan and Kenyan delegations recently held at Hotel Africana Moroto in Moroto town.

One of the reasons for the meeting given by the head of the Kenyan delegation, Rebecca Miano was to secure the release of the Turkana herders being held in Ugandan prisons.