By KT Reporter
Several Local Council One Chairpersons in the Bunyoro sub-region are being investigated for allegedly conniving with cattle thieves.
Bunyoro sub-region is currently experiencing a surge in cattle thefts, with the most affected districts being Buliisa, Hoima, Kikuube, Masindi and Kiryandongo.
Security officials are alleging that some local leaders, particularly LCI chairpersons, are failing to cooperate in preventing and reporting cattle thefts, with some even being suspected of conniving with cattle thieves.
Statistics at the Albertine regional police headquarters reveal that between 10 to 15 cows are stolen every week in the region.
According to findings by security, most local council chairpersons in the region connive with the cattle thieves by issuing them livestock movement permits.
The thugs use the movement permits issued by the local council one chairperson to even transport stolen animals during the night hours.
The stolen animals are transported and sold in the districts of Masaka, Gulu, Kampala, Wakiso, Lira, Luwero, Nakasongola and Mukono, among others.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson, says security investigations have revealed that village chairpersons are seriously aiding cattle thefts in the area, stating that they are currently investigating those being implicated.
According to Hakiza, the Local One Chairpersons issue livestock movement permits without thoroughly verifying the owners of the cattle.
Hakiza has also cautioned cattle farmers in the region to employ herdsmen who are known to them, stating that at times the herdsmen also connive with thugs to steal animals.
However, some local leaders have refuted the allegations, noting that they have been cooperating with security and even arrested some suspects who were later released by police without being prosecuted.
Deo Ntakimanyi, the LC I Chairperson of Watembu Village in Butiaba town council in Buliisa district, blamed the rampant cattle thefts in the region on security laxity.
He has rallied security agencies to strengthen their surveillance network instead of accusing them of fueling livestock theft.
Patrick Okwairwoth, the LC1 Chairperson for Rwengabi Village in Kikuube, says they have done a lot in fighting cattle thefts in the region.
He too asks security to intensify patrols and establish road checkpoints, especially during night hours, to fight the rampant cattle theft.
Sam Ntambara, a cattle farmer in Buseruka sub-county in Hoima, says local leaders and the police should join efforts in combating the crime, adding that many farmers have lost animals to thugs-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
