Kitgum, Uganda: Authorities in Kitgum District have introduced strict new measures to regulate livestock movement, triggering mixed reactions among traders and residents as officials move to curb a surge in animal theft.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Walter Komakech Oyoo, announced the directives on Sunday during a press briefing at his office following a security meeting prompted by rising livestock theft across the district.
“No livestock movement permit will be issued without a valid sales agreement,” Mr Komakech said. “We want clear proof of ownership before any animal is moved. This is how we shall defeat theft.”
Under the new guidelines, Local Council One (LC1) chairpersons have been directed to work closely with other local leaders to verify livestock transactions before movement permits are issued.
“LC1 leaders must not act alone,” Mr Komakech added. “They should consult widely within their communities to confirm that the animals belong to the seller or are meant for a genuine purpose such as cultural functions.”
Authorities have also banned the transportation of livestock at night, a move officials say targets the most common window for theft operations.
“Most of these thefts happen under the cover of darkness,” Mr Komakech said. “Any vehicle found transporting livestock at night will be impounded without hesitation.”
Security deployment has further been extended to slaughter points, with officers stationed at abattoirs to prevent stolen animals from entering the food chain.
“We are stationing officers at abattoirs to ensure no stolen animal is slaughtered,” he said. “We are closing every possible channel used by criminals.”
The new measures have drawn a divided response from livestock traders, reflecting a balance between security concerns and business realities.
“This is a welcome move,” said one cattle trader in Kitgum Town Council. “We have lost animals and money for too long. If strict verification restores trust in the market, then it is worth it.”
Solomon Odongo, an animal trader in Kitgum Municipality, echoed similar sentiments, saying: “Buyers have been skeptical because of theft. If ownership is verified properly, it will improve business in the long run.”
However, some traders expressed concern over the practicality of the new requirements, particularly in rural settings where transactions are often informal.
“In the villages, we don’t always write agreements,” Bonny Acup, a goat trader, said. “Deals are based on trust. Now you are being told to bring paperwork for everything, it will delay us.”
A livestock transporter also raised concerns about the night transport ban, warning it could disrupt supply chains and increase operational costs.
“We depend on night movement to reach distant markets early,” he said. “This directive will increase our costs and reduce profits.”
Local council leaders, now central to enforcement, welcomed the directive, saying it provides long-needed clarity in handling livestock movement.
“We have been overwhelmed by cases of stolen animals passing through our areas,” one LC1 chairperson said. “Now we have firm guidelines. We shall not approve any movement without proper verification.”
Another local leader emphasized collective responsibility, noting: “When we work together as leaders, it becomes difficult for thieves to cheat the system. We know our communities very well.”
Residents across the district expressed cautious optimism, with many backing the move as necessary to protect livelihoods, while also urging fairness in enforcement.
“Livestock is our livelihood,” said Francis Ojok, a farmer. “When animals are stolen, families go hungry. We support the government on this.”
Others, however, warned against possible abuse of the new rules by enforcement officers.
“Security officers should not harass innocent people,” a resident said. “Let them enforce the law fairly and explain the procedures clearly.”
Mr Komakech also used the platform to emphasize the importance of livestock vaccination, describing it as key to improving productivity and protecting farmers’ investments.
“A healthy animal is an asset,” he said. “We encourage farmers to embrace vaccination to protect their livestock and improve their income.”
The new directives mark one of the toughest crackdowns on livestock movement in recent years in Kitgum. While authorities remain confident the measures will deter theft, stakeholders say their success will depend on consistent enforcement and continued engagement with affected communities.
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