Religious Leaders Urge Better Roads to Curb Cattle Rustling

Bishop Paul Kiptoo of Sebei Diocese said the deteriorating road conditions limit economic opportunities, making livestock rearing the primary source of livelihood.

Religious leaders from the East Africa Cross Border Christian Peace Network have raised concerns over the poor state of feeder roads in the Sebei, Pokot, and Karamoja regions, identifying it as a key factor exacerbating cattle rustling and other crimes in these communities.

The leaders have called on both the Ugandan and Kenyan governments to prioritize infrastructure development in these areas, stressing that better roads would help reduce cattle rustling, a long-standing issue that has caused numerous deaths and loss of property.

During a peace sensitization event in Riwa Town Council, Bukwo District, Bishop Denis Ndiwa of God Cares Peace Church emphasized that inadequate road networks have made many communities inaccessible, hindering swift responses from authorities during incidents of cattle theft.

"For years, the Pokot and Sebei communities have been embroiled in conflicts over cattle rustling. People have died, and numerous animals have been stolen," Ndiwa remarked.

Bishop Paul Kiptoo of Sebei Diocese added that the deteriorating road conditions limit economic opportunities, making livestock rearing the primary source of livelihood.

He pointed out that poor road infrastructure contributes to cattle rustling, as farmers struggle to market their agricultural products, which could otherwise provide alternative income.

"The poor road network is a major factor in cattle rustling. Farmers cannot easily access markets for their produce, and this leaves them dependent on livestock," Kiptoo said.

He cited the collapse of a bridge along the Kabunwa-Riwa road in Bukwo Town Council as a major challenge, with vehicles now unable to access the area, forcing locals to rely on boda bodas for transportation.

The economic difficulties in the region are compounded by the challenges of transporting agricultural goods.

In Bukwo, maize is sold at just Shs500 per kilogramme due to the limited market access, leaving farmers vulnerable to exploitation by middlemen.

Kiptoo also recalled tragic incidents where lives were lost due to the collapse of key infrastructure, including bridges.

"Last year, we lost about six people. The bridge collapsed, and boda boda riders, along with their passengers, were swept away.

There isn’t a single functioning bridge between here and Bukwo," he lamented, urging the government to address these neglected areas.

Former Bukwo Woman MP, Everline Chelangat, echoed the call for better roads, noting that poor infrastructure hinders the efforts of religious leaders to promote peace and development.

"To reach Pokot, we have to use boda bodas because there are no proper roads. We urge the governments of Uganda and Kenya to work together to develop these roads, so we can end the conflicts," Chelangat stated.

The peace sensitization event brought together representatives from the Sebei, Pokot, and Karamoja communities, all of whom committed to reconciliation and development.

Cattle rustling has led to significant loss of life and property over the years. Religious leaders believe that improving infrastructure could be a critical step toward curbing the practice.

In addition to better roads, they emphasized the need for continued dialogue, education, and the creation of alternative economic opportunities to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in the region.