Residents of Napooli Lower Parish in Industrial Division, Mbale City are counting losses after dozens of free-range chickens were allegedly poisoned, highlighting a growing tension between crop farmers and poultry owners.
The incident has drawn attention to the area’s LC2 chairperson, Aman Kawanga, who also chairs the Parish Development Committee (PDC) responsible for allocation of government funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Police are currently searching for Kawanga following complaints that he placed poisoned feed in his garden, where chickens from neighbouring homes had reportedly been straying.
Residents say more than 30 birds died after feeding on the suspected poison.
“I invested my Parish Development Model loan in these birds,” said Nabirye Rehema of Mutenyo Cell, holding a dead chick.
“I have lost more than 15 hens.” Another resident reported losing ten cocks worth about Shs500,000, wiping out months of savings and effort.
Poultry keeping remains a key income-generating activity supported by government poverty-eradication programs.
Tensions reportedly had been building for some time. Kawanga had previously planted watermelon, but the crop was repeatedly damaged by chickens from neighbouring homes.
Jacob Wamalwa, LC1 Chairperson of Situma Cell and LC2 Vice Chairperson, said Kawanga had openly expressed frustration over the birds.
“He told my wife that he would poison people’s hens,” Wamalwa said.
Police spokesperson Rogers Taitika confirmed that authorities received complaints from five residents reporting the poisoning of more than thirty birds.
“It is unfortunate when a leader who is expected to guide the community is accused of such actions,” Taitika said, adding that investigations are ongoing and Kawanga is currently in hiding.
He urged residents to seek lawful closure while acknowledging that failing to restrain livestock from damaging crops is itself a criminal offence.
The dispute underscores a common but often overlooked rural and peri-urban conflict — the clash between crop farmers and owners of free-range poultry.
During planting seasons, farmers struggle to protect young crops, while poultry keepers rely on the freedom of their birds to forage.
In many communities, poultry owners are forced to confine their birds, but when ignored, tensions escalate among neighbours.
As police continue their investigations, the Mbale incident serves as a reminder of the need for peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and adherence to community rules to prevent livelihood losses.
