By KT Reporter
Authorities in Katakwi district have raised fresh concerns over renewed cattle traid by suspected Karimojong raiders.This follows the loss of eight cattle
in Apollin Parish, Sub County, Ngariam county where between eight to ten cattle were report stolen last week.
Geoffrey Omolo, Katakwi District Chairperson, who is also a member in District Security Committee stressed that recurring thefts are worrying livestock farmers.
Omolo said that Karimojong pastoralist often move into the region during the dry season in search of pasture but some are believed to engage in cattle rustling when returning to their home districts.
“These cattle keepers come to grace during the dry season, but we have also learnt that some thefts happen when they are leaving,’’ he said.
He revealed that security agencies such as Anti Stock theft unit, Uganda Peoples Defense Forces UPDF and Local Defense Units LDUs have been deployed to curb the vice but more reinforcement is still need.
Despite the measures, Omolo expressed concern that some thefts may involve local collaborators working with external raiders or carrying out internal thefts with vehicles.
He stated that some indication could be possible that collaborator for cattle raiding is in community, this is very dangerous because how would raid be closely to Katakwi Town council where cattle were stolen.
Omolo underscored that district security committee DSC is actively responding to situation, adding that some progress has been made in recovery of stolen cattle.
According to him they have managed to recover about 12 animals in Lolacat, Nabilatuk District where efforts are ongoing to recover stolen cattle.
However, authorities have implored residents to remain vigilant reporting suspicious activities and coordinate with security agencies in order to curb cattle raiding in the district.
Moses Iteit, LCIII chairperson Ngariam sub county, says the issue of Karimojong cattle rustling is an issue that they record monthly with at least five to ten cattle stolen.
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