Authorities and herdsmen in Kimengo sub-county in Masindi district have raised concerns about the surge in livestock thefts.
Statistics in the sub-county indicate that 380 cows were stolen between March 2021 and December 2023.
The most affected cattle farmers are from the villages of Kayera, Karwara, Kibanja, Nyakarongo, Kididima, Karangwe, and Miyeba among others all in the Kimengo sub county.
The statistics further revealed that every month, between 15 to 20 cows are stolen from the sub county.
The farmers told reporters that they have been compelled to spend nights in their kraals in fear that the remaining cattle could also be taken by persons yet to be identified. James Kabindi, a farmer in Karwara village says that in a period of two years, he lost heads of cattle to thieves. He urged authorities in the district to beef up security and intensify patrols, especially during this festive season.
Richard Kayogoza, a cattle farmer in Kayera village said he lost 20 cows after the thugs raided his kraal severally.
Bright Mugume, the Kimengo sub county LCIII Chairperson says, most farmers in his area are greatly affected by the rampant cattle thefts. He said his office has severally notified security to take action against the thieves but nothing much has been done.
Emmy Ngabirano, the Masindi Resident District Commissioner-RDC acknowledges the growing insecurity that is keeping farmers on tension adding that they have held several security meetings to intensify surveillance and ensure that the culprits are apprehended.
Information obtained by Uganda Radio Network-URN indicates that the suspected cattle thieves in Masindi connive with their counterparts from other parts of the country to steal. The stolen animals are later transported to the districts of Apac Lira, Nakasongola, Arua, Gulu, Kampala, Masaka and other parts of the country.
