MBARARA – The LCIII Chairperson of Kashare Sub-county in Mbarara District, Fred Mwesigye, popularly known as “Ekimasha kya Kashare,” has been placed on a wanted list following allegations linking him to livestock theft in the area.
The development was confirmed by Mbarara Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Nicholas Nuwagaba, who said his office has received numerous complaints from residents accusing the local leader of stealing and facilitating the theft of pigs and other livestock.
According to the RDC, the complaints have prompted security agencies to launch investigations into the allegations, with police now actively searching for Mwesigye.
“We have received several reports from members of the public alleging that he has been involved in livestock theft and related criminal activities. Investigations are ongoing, and no one is above the law,” Nuwagaba said.
The allegations come amid growing concern over increasing cases of livestock theft in Mbarara District, where many households depend on livestock as a major source of income and livelihood.
In response to the rising incidents, the RDC announced a tougher security crackdown on suspected livestock thieves. He directed law enforcement officers to take decisive action against criminals found stealing animals, emphasizing the need to protect farmers from persistent losses.
The directive has, however, sparked debate among members of the public and legal observers, with some questioning the legality and implications of a shoot-to-kill approach in combating crime.
Meanwhile, police say efforts to trace and arrest Mwesigye are ongoing. His whereabouts remain unknown, and attempts to obtain a comment from him were unsuccessful by press time.
The case has attracted significant attention across Mbarara and neighboring districts, with residents calling for thorough investigations to establish the truth behind the allegations.
Livestock theft remains a major challenge in several parts of western Uganda, affecting farmers who rely on pigs, goats, sheep, and cattle for their economic survival. Authorities have vowed to intensify operations against criminal networks involved in the vice as investigations into the allegations against the Kashare LCIII chairperson continue.
