The United Nations said on Friday it had seen 'evidence of significant loss of life' in recent violence between the army and tribal warriors in Uganda's restive north-east and appealed for calm.
Expressing deep concern about developments in the Karamoja region, the UN humanitarian co-ordinator for Uganda, Theophane Nikyema, said an assessment team sent to the area had been "disturbed" by its findings.
"The United Nations in Uganda expresses grave concern about the escalating violence and consequent loss of life, property and human dignity in Kotido District since October 29, 2006," he said in a statement.
"The team observed evidence of significant loss of life and property, including food reserves in villages we have been to and surrounding the parish of Lopuyo," Nikyema said, adding that at least 2,000 people had fled the area.
The statement did not give an estimated death count but suggested the official government toll of 39 from clashes and bombing raids that began on October 29 may be low.
The army says 12 people were killed in November 4 bombings around Kotido while community leaders have told AFP as many as 500 people may have died when troops allegedly rampaged through the area.
The bombing came after Karamojong tribal warriors allegedly attempted to shoot down a military helicopter in retaliation for an initial clash in on October 29 in which the government said 27 people, including 16 soldiers, died.
The fighting has erupted as the military attempts to pacify the remote region, long known as a haven for banditry and cattle rustling, with a forceful disarmament campaign that the Karomoja are resisting.
On Wednesday, Uganda's deputy defence minister said the Karamojong had become an increasingly unified force with a command and control structure that was leading to deadly results that verged on war.
Karamoja is the least developed area of Uganda and its residents, mainly the Karamojong, have a history of belligerence with Kampala because of their way of life and the importance they attach to cattle ownership.