Iganga District, Uganda: Residents in Namungalwe Town Council in Iganga District have raised alarm over increasing cases of livestock theft, with cattle farmers accusing thieves of targeting grazing areas and transporting stolen animals across district boundaries.
Samuel Namivule, a resident of Nalukandwa village, said he recently lost eight cows that were grazing near Nalukandwa swamp. He suspects the animals were driven toward neighbouring Kaliro District.
“I had my eight cows which I used to graze from Nalukandwa swamp but they were all taken and we suspect that perpetrators took the direction of Kaliro district. Up to today, I haven’t discovered any of my cows, so this vice is affecting us,” Namivule said.
He appealed to government to strengthen security at village level, suggesting extension of local defence units to curb the vice.
The Town Council Chairperson, Silingisi Anthony, confirmed receiving multiple complaints from livestock keepers.
Speaking to DailyExpress on Wednesday, Silingisi said leaders had previously convened meetings with abattoir operators and butcher representatives and agreed on strict measures to curb theft, but some of the resolutions have not been fully implemented.
“We sat and agreed to ban transportation of meat in sacks, ensure that meat is thoroughly checked and stamped by the veterinary doctor, avoid transporting cows using boda bodas, and stop moving animals at night,” he said.
He noted that cattle theft cases had previously reduced when the guidelines were strictly followed but warned that negligence by some leaders and traders had reopened loopholes.
According to Silingisi, motorcycles are increasingly being used to transport animals, making it easier for thieves to evade detection due to the flexibility of the bikes on rural routes.
He urged cattle traders to cooperate with authorities and strictly obtain movement permits before transporting livestock.
Traders Pledge Cooperation
The Chairperson of Cattle Traders and Dealers in Namungalwe Town Council, Ibooka Domu, welcomed the renewed enforcement efforts and pledged collaboration.
“We have some reports that some people are still transporting meat in sacks and moving cows at night without permits. I urge traders to use proper boxes for meat and ensure veterinary stamping,” Ibooka said.
He warned that those flouting agreed guidelines would face the full force of the law and called on neighbouring sub-counties to adopt similar measures to eliminate criminal networks.
Local leaders say collective responsibility between security agencies, traders, veterinary officers and the community is critical to restoring sanity and protecting livestock farmers from further losses.
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