By Moses Kintu
Residents of Nabirumba, a sub-county in Kamuli district, are living in fear as a wave of cattle theft sweeps through their villages. The rampant incidents, particularly in Butwale, Bukalu, and Buluta, have left farmers reeling and demanding immediate action from the government.
The alarming rise in livestock theft is causing significant economic hardship for the predominantly agricultural community. Families are losing their primary source of income and sustenance, leading to growing frustration and a sense of insecurity.
Paul Kyebanakolanga, the chairman of LC 2 Nabirumba 1, expressed his grave concerns in an interview with this publication. He made a direct appeal to the government, urging them to prioritize the safety and security of Nabirumba residents by bolstering police presence and resources in the area.
A key point of contention highlighted by Kyebanakolanga is the ineffectiveness of current police investigation methods. He specifically criticized the reliance on police dogs, claiming they are insufficient for tracking thieves and that evidence gathered through canine tracking is often rejected in court. “The police dogs are simply not enough,” he argued. “We need more sophisticated and reliable methods of investigation.”
“We are in desperate need of more security,” Kyebanakolanga stated. “Our people are losing their livelihoods, and we need the government to step in and protect us from these criminals.”
Echoing Kyebanakolanga’s concerns, Jacob Lwanga, the youth chairman of Nabirumba, added his voice to the call for increased security. “Our young people are afraid to invest in livestock farming because of the high risk of theft,” Lwanga explained.
“We need the government to take this issue seriously and provide us with the protection we deserve.” He further reiterated the inadequacy of police dogs in their current capacity, suggesting a need for improved training or the implementation of alternative tracking methods.
The cries from Nabirumba highlight a growing concern in rural Uganda regarding livestock theft and the capacity of law enforcement to effectively combat it.
Residents are pleading for a more robust security presence and a modern approach to investigation to protect their livelihoods and restore a sense of security within their community.
The pressure is now on the government to respond to these urgent calls and implement measures that will bring an end to the cattle rustling plaguing Nabirumba.
