Ibanda District, Uganda — The Uganda Police Force has reintroduced abrupt roadblocks along major highways across Western Uganda in a renewed effort to curb the rising cases of cattle theft and related crimes in the region.
The directive was issued by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Bamunoba Ubalido, the Chief Political Commissar, during a security meeting held at Ibanda District Hall. The meeting brought together several security and local government leaders, including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), Resident Internal Security Officers (RISOs), District Police Commanders (DPCs), the LC5 Chairperson, and the Resident State Attorney, among others.
According to police, the meeting was convened following numerous complaints from residents of Ibanda District and neighbouring areas about increasing cases of cattle theft, theft of agricultural produce, land disputes, and domestic violence.
During the meeting, residents expressed concern over the growing insecurity in their communities.
“There is a high crime rate in Ibanda, and our lives, animals, and produce are not safe. We call upon the police to step in and help us,” one local resident reportedly told the security team.
After reviewing the complaints, police and other security agencies resolved to resume abrupt roadblocks across key routes in the region as part of efforts to monitor suspicious movements and deter criminals.
AIGP Bamunoba said the roadblocks will also involve veterinary officers stationed across sub-counties to regulate and monitor the movement of cattle in order to prevent the illegal transportation of stolen livestock.
“During our roadblocks, we shall have veterinary officers across the sub-counties to regulate and monitor the movement of cattle,” he said.
The police chief also urged political leaders to set aside their differences and work together in addressing security challenges affecting their communities.
He emphasized the importance of collective responsibility and called upon all stakeholders to participate in security and community sensitization efforts, noting that religious leaders and community-based organisations (CBOs) would play a key role in promoting awareness, conflict resolution, and social cohesion.
Sources who attended the meeting revealed that sub-counties will also resume enforcing local by-laws aimed at preventing crime and strengthening accountability at the grassroots level.
“I am ordering the reactivation of sub-county security meetings chaired by LCIII chairpersons to enhance grassroots security coordination,” AIGP Bamunoba directed.
He added that the engagements form part of the Inspector General of Police’s ongoing security and community sensitization campaign in cattle corridor areas, aimed at strengthening partnerships with communities and promoting proactive crime prevention.
Security meetings and community sensitization campaigns are expected to continue in neighbouring districts including Kazo and Kiruhura as authorities intensify efforts to restore safety in the region.
