Fear of losing their livestock has forced many farmers in Masindi District to spend nights outdoors guarding their animals as cattle theft continues to rise in parts of the district. Farmers in Kimengo and Kijunjubwa sub-counties say organised criminal groups are raiding farms under the cover of darkness, stealing cattle, goats and sheep, leaving families counting heavy losses and fearing for their livelihoods.
According to local security records, the two sub-counties now register between four and five cases of livestock theft every week, raising alarm among both residents and security agencies. Benon Rugyendo, a cattle farmer in Kijunjubwa Sub-county, says the wave of theft has revived painful memories of the insecurity that once plagued the area.
He says many farmers have resorted to sleeping in livestock kraals to protect their animals from thieves. Another farmer, Samuel Kanyindo, wants security agencies to intensify night patrols, strengthen livestock identification systems and ensure those convicted of cattle theft face tougher punishment.
“There is a need for security to tighten operations and thoroughly verify documents used to transport animals from Masindi to other parts of the country,” he said.
Dickens Abaho, a cattle farmer in Kimengo Sub-county, also appealed for enhanced surveillance, saying the increasing thefts are threatening livestock production in the area. Masindi Resident District Commissioner Darius Ndandida acknowledged the growing concern, saying security agencies are worried by the increase in livestock theft.
However, he blamed part of the problem on farmers who employ herdsmen without properly verifying their identities. According to preliminary investigations, some of the thefts are allegedly orchestrated by herdsmen who connive with criminal gangs to steal the animals.
Ndandida said joint teams comprising the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Police Flying Squad detectives have been deployed to conduct both day and night operations in the affected areas.
He appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspected criminals and urged livestock farmers to employ only herdsmen with verifiable identification documents, including National Identity cards.
Kimengo Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Bright Mugume said the sub-county leadership is working with the District Security Committee to develop measures to curb the thefts. He also urged farmers to exercise greater caution when recruiting herdsmen, warning that some have been collaborating with thieves.
Albertine Regional Police spokesperson Julius Hakiza said investigations have uncovered well-organised livestock theft syndicates that use forged animal movement permits to transport stolen animals to distant markets. He advised livestock keepers to brand their animals, maintain proper farm records and avoid employing unknown workers without verifying their identities-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
