Farmers in Nakasongola District have raised alarm over increasing incidents of livestock theft, urging security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrols, particularly during nighttime hours when most thefts occur.
During a security meeting held in Migeera Town Council, farmers shared emotional accounts of repeated cattle losses, which they say have left many financially crippled.
The meeting brought together local leaders, security officials, and community members to identify weaknesses in current security systems and explore collaborative strategies to curb the escalating crime.
"We are suffering. In January, I lost two cows to thieves. I spent a lot of money searching for them up to Hoima district, but I haven’t recovered them," said James Kalemera, a cattle keeper from Walusi Village in Nabiswera Sub-county.
Dan Bizimungu, a farmer from Butiiti, revealed that thieves have become more sophisticated, using drones to monitor movements and transport stolen animals undetected.
"What hurts even more is that some of the thieves are our own children," Bizimungu lamented.
According to ASP Sam Twiinaemazima, the Savannah Police Region spokesperson, the region registered 492 cases of cattle theft between September and March alone.
The Savannah region, which includes Luwero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola, is home to many cattle keepers, making it a hotspot for such crimes.
Out of the 492 reported cases, police say 310 cattle have been recovered, and several suspects, including known serial offenders identified as Masembe and Hussein, have been arrested.
Twiinaemazima urged residents to stay alert, especially as the Easter season approaches.
"We are doing our best to track and recover stolen livestock, but we need community cooperation. People must remain vigilant and report suspicious activities," he said.
However, farmers expressed deep dissatisfaction with police response, accusing officers at roadblocks of ignoring theft reports and, in some cases, colluding with the criminals.
"We report, but nothing happens. Some officers are working with the thieves," one farmer claimed during the meeting.
Authorities, however, criticized farmers for sometimes undermining investigations by settling cases privately with suspects and failing to testify in court. "This compromises justice and encourages more theft," ASP Twiinaemazima warned.
Nakasongola District LC5 Chairperson, Sam Kigula, called on law enforcement to restore public confidence by taking firm action.
"We need stronger checkpoint operations and strict enforcement of the night-time ban on cattle transportation. Many residents no longer trust the police because of corruption claims," he said.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from both the security team and community leaders to improve cooperation and surveillance to fight the vice of cattle theft more effectively.
As investigations and patrols intensify, authorities continue to appeal to the public to be proactive and support efforts to protect livestock a crucial livelihood for many in the region.
