Luuka, Uganda: Residents of Bukooma Sub-county in Luuka District are living in fear following a disturbing escalation in livestock theft, after stolen cows were slaughtered and dumped in a sugarcane plantation.
The incident, which occurred in Kirimwa A Village, has intensified calls for urgent security intervention amid growing cases of animal theft in the area. The theft involved three cows, including one belonging to Bukooma LCIII Chairperson Tibakula Benon Ngobi.
The animals were stolen on Monday night and later discovered in a nearby sugarcane plantation, where two had been slaughtered and their meat taken, while another was killed and abandoned.
“We discovered the cows in a plantation, two had been slaughtered and the beef taken, while the third was left dead,” Ngobi said. He warned that the nature of the crime suggests possible collaboration between locals and external perpetrators.
Local residents say they are experiencing sleepless nights as livestock theft becomes increasingly frequent.
Kirimwa A LC1 Chairman Nume Yusuf condemned the incident and called for increased police patrols. “We are farmers, and our animals are our livelihood. We need stronger security presence,” he said.
The stolen animals reportedly belonged to multiple residents, including Ngobi, Kayima Gaster, and Isabirye Bazibu.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Umar Ntogona condemned the attack, describing it as a serious and alarming act. “Killing three cows reflects extreme anger and possible grudges. Investigations are ongoing to ensure the perpetrators are arrested,” Ntogona said.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities, while also warning against fraudsters posing as government agents.
The incident highlights a growing trend of livestock theft in rural Uganda, where communities rely heavily on animals for income and survival.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, theft of livestock remains a persistent challenge, often linked to organised criminal networks and local collusion. Leaders say without stronger community policing and enforcement, such incidents risk escalating further.
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