The Commander of the UPDF Motorized Infantry Division, Major General Charles Byanyima, has called on security officers to intensify efforts in combating cattle theft in Nakasongola District.
Byanyima expressed concern that stolen cattle continue to be transported despite the presence of multiple police checkpoints along major roads in Nakasongola and neighboring Luweero.
“Nakasongola and Luweero still have cases of transporting cattle at night. Why is it happening yet there have been several resolutions stopping this? We have a checkpoint in Kafu, Kakooge, Luwero has one even in Bombo, but vehicles just pass even beyond 6:00pm. Police should check themselves,” he said during a meeting with cattle keepers convened to address the rising thefts.
He criticized the practice of releasing suspects or exhibits before investigations are complete, warning that such actions weaken cases and allow perpetrators to evade justice. Byanyima also urged senior police officers to take an active role in investigations, cautioning that junior officers sometimes prepare weak case files that lead to suspects being released on bail or cases dismissed in court.
The Regional Police Commander for Savannah Region, SSP Micheal Kasigire, echoed the concerns, noting that some community members frustrate security efforts by colluding with thieves.
“When we arrest suspects and take them to court, they come back to you and give you some small money and you get compromised. You fail to appear in court as witnesses, and many cases end up being dismissed,” he said.
Kasigire added that relatives often hide suspects, delaying reporting and complicating investigations.
Local leaders also highlighted lapses in enforcement. The Mayor of Migyera Town Council, Tonny Mukiibi, pointed out that some traffic officers fail to attend meetings addressing cattle theft, allowing thieves to exploit unmonitored roads.
The Resident District Commissioner, Festus Bandeeba, called for a united approach among stakeholders to eradicate cattle theft.
John Kazoora, Chairperson of the Nakasongola Farmers Association, urged authorities to increase police presence at sub-county level, recommending at least 18 officers per sub-county to respond effectively, especially at night when most thefts occur.
Police reports indicate that 170 cattle were stolen across the Greater Luweero districts in January and February this year, with 172 animals recovered so far, highlighting both the scale of theft and partial recovery success.
