Cattle Farmers in the Bunyoro sub region have raised concern about
the surge in livestock thefts in the region. The most affected districts are
Hoima, Buliisa, Kikuube, Masindi and Kiryandongo.
Statistics from the Albertine region police headquarters indicate that over 100
cases of cattle thefts have been recorded since November last year.
Livestock theft across the Bunyoro sub-region has been rampant for
years. According to the police, some farmworkers have been implicated in
the thefts. They connive with livestock thieves by providing information about
the farm to the criminals who later invade the kraals during the night.
The stolen animals are transported to the districts of Gulu, Arua,
Kampala, Masaka, Lira, Pakwach, Wakiso and Mukono among others.
Godfrey Kahiiga, a farmer in Kasenyi Lyato, Buseruka Sub-county
Hoima district faults security for laxity. He says that some suspects have been
arrested red-handed with stolen animals but have been set free by police.
//cue in;”Kintu kyobusuma bwente…
Cue out:…batine okwiba kuhwiheyo.”//
James Kyalisima, another farmer who last month lost 5 cows blames
police for the increase in cattle theft in the region saying if the suspects
arrested are not immediately released from custody by police, the vice would be
no more.
//Cue in;”Abasuma tubaine bo…
Cue out:…Kunu etusembere haihi.”//
James Sunday, a farmer in Butiaba Sub County Buliisa District says
that the rampant cattle theft has forced them to sacrifice sleep to protect
their animals.
//cue in;”Itwe twine bizibu…
Cue out:…hakarugaho ha site.”//
James Tumwine a farmer in Kiryandongo district who lost 10 cows to
the thugs wants police to intensify night patrols.
//cue in;”Obusoma bwe ente…
Cue out:…Na kugi twara.”//
Ali Tinkamanyire, the Buseruka Sub County LCIII Chairperson admits
the growing insecurity that is keeping farmers on tension and says that his
office has notified security for several times to take action against the
thieves but in vain.
//cue in: “Cattle owners in…
Cue out:…Apprehend these cows.”//
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson, says that
due to the surge, the police will deploy the Anti-Stock Theft Unit(ASTU)
specifically to boost the fight against cattle theft.
