Residents of Kyangwali sub-county in Kikuube district are voicing their fears and frustrations over the rampant theft of livestock, including cattle, goats, and pigs. The sub-county chairperson, Emanuel Bisemeza, highlights that the community is experiencing heightened insecurity, with over 20 cows stolen since the beginning of the year. This alarming trend has left residents living in constant fear and has led some to abandon livestock rearing altogether.
Bisemeza emphasizes that the escalating insecurity is exacerbating poverty in the area, as residents feel compelled to forgo livestock farming due to the risk of theft. The sub-county, home to approximately 250,000 people, faces a shortage of law enforcement resources, with only five police posts and few officers available. This scarcity leaves vast areas vulnerable to criminal activities, as the limited police presence cannot adequately patrol the entire sub-county.
John Mwesigye, a resident of Kyangwali village, shares the dire situation faced by livestock owners, noting that many now spend sleepless nights guarding their animals. He attributes the rise in criminal activity to the idleness of youth, who engage in gambling and subsequently resort to nighttime thefts that terrorize the community. Mwesigye himself has suffered losses, with three of his cows stolen by thugs in the past two years.
The issue of livestock theft extends beyond Kyangwali sub-county, affecting the entire Kikuube district. Amlan Tumusiime, the District Resident Commissioner, highlights the prevalence of theft and the absence of dedicated Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) officers to address the problem. Despite previous efforts to petition for the deployment of an ASTU, the district has not received a response from the authorities.
During a recent visit to Kikuube district, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja urged local leaders to prioritize security concerns and collaborate with available police resources to conduct night patrols. She pledged to raise the issue of livestock theft with the Inspector General of Police and advocated for the deployment of ASTU personnel to combat the ongoing thefts.
Nabbanja’s own visit underscores the urgent need for action to address the growing insecurity and safeguard the livelihoods of Kikuube residents.
