Museveni vows to “completely end” cattle rustling in East Acholi

President Yoweri Museveni has vowed to completely end cattle rustling in East Acholi, Northern Uganda.

Gen (rtd) Museveni, speaking at the commemoration of Janani Luwum Day in Mucwini, Kitgum on February 16, said he was surprised about ongoing cattle rustling in the area.

“I am surprised to hear that there is still cattle rustling in East Acholi. I am going to take an interest. As you remember, when we met in Baralegi some years ago, we were able to get solutions. We shall get solutions,” Museveni said.

“There is no reason why that cannot be completely ended,” he stated.

In February 2026, 5 Infantry Division of the UPDF recovered more than 30 herds of cattle in East Acholi.

The recovery, the Division officer said, followed a coordinated security operation in parts of East Acholi aimed at curbing cattle rustling.

The operation was carried out under the wider security campaign codenamed Dumisha Usalama and took place between Monday, 2 February, and Wednesday, 4 February 2026.

It covered the general areas of Lokokwai in Kitgum district, Amita village in Abim district, and Loborom village in Agago district.

During the three-day operation, four armed Karamojong warriors were neutralised. Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle with three rounds of ammunition, bows and arrows, and three mobile phones.

Major General Keith Katungyi, the 5 Division Commander, assured communities within the division’s area of continued protection.

He noted that sustained operations would be maintained to deter cattle rustling and other forms of insecurity.