Suspected Pokot armed warriors have attacked the Uganda Wildlife Authority staff and the security forces in Nakapiripirit district.

It is alleged that on Tuesday, the officers survived death narrowly after they were shot at in Lomuu hills within the Pian Upe game reserve in Kawach Sub County.

The incident happened at 9:00 am when the officers were searching for a data drone that got lost inside Pian Upe Game Reserve.

Michael Longole, the Mt. Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson said it was on Monday at about 5:00 pm when Lt Stephen Otambo, a UPDF Officer attached to UWA was on a joint operation with other twelve UWA Staff to capture data using their drone.

Longole noted that the drone later developed a technical problem that made it fly and failed to return until it got lost.

He observed that on Tuesday morning, the officers went back with additional manpower to search for the lost drone before they were attacked by suspected Pokot warriors grazing in the game reserve.

Longole said that the warriors fired bullets at the officers but fortunately, none of them was injured. He added that when the forces retaliated back, the warriors took off and one of them who failed to run was arrested.

Longole revealed that during the fire exchange, David Doctari a male juvenile of about 10 years old and a resident of Namondo village, Karita Sub County, was also shot in the thigh.

The victim is currently receiving treatment at Tokora Health Center IV while one of the warriors arrested is in police custody.

“Other inquiries and investigations are ongoing.  As security we strongly condemn the barbaric act of Pokot warriors attacking armed forces,” Longole warned.