Karamoja leaders demand tougher action against cattle thieves

Community leaders and residents from Napak and Nabilatuk districts in Karamoja sub-region have called for stronger measures against cattle thieves. 

They made this demand during a joint security meeting convened by the 3rd Infantry Division last week at Nabwal sub-county, Nabilatuk district.

Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, chaired the meeting, which brought together district and sub-county security committees, peace committees, LC I chairpersons, kraal leaders, Members of Parliament, religious and opinion leaders.

Others included women representatives from Kosike, Nabilatuk, Natirae, Nabwal, Lorengecora and Lotome sub-counties.

Maj Gen Sserunkuma urged young people to engage in lawful and productive activities and refrain from cattle theft. He warned that individuals involved in cattle theft or those collaborating with criminals would face arrest and prosecution.

“Poverty breeds insecurity. Work hard and walk out of poverty. The small illegal activity of cattle stealing will only take us back to cattle rustling and may cause lawlessness. Report any suspicious wrong elements so they are apprehended before havoc befalls you,” he told the meeting.

The division commander called on residents to support government poverty alleviation programmes and cooperate with local leaders and government officials.

Maj Gen Sserunkuma further directed Resident District Commissioners to support regular security committee meetings at the sub-county level to address emerging security concerns.

“Don’t wait for the district security committee to handle all security matters. Let sub-counties conduct security committees so that security matters are also tackled from the grassroots,” he said.

The Resident District Commissioner of Napak, Milton Odongo, and his Nabilatuk counterpart, Lotem Linos, pledged continued collaboration with communities and security agencies to maintain peace and security.

The RDCs urged individuals in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily or face disarmament operations.

Bokora County Member of Parliament Emmanuel Illukol said the fight against cattle theft required the active involvement of local communities, noting that anyone found participating in the crime would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

LC5 chairpersons of Nabilatuk and Napak, Paul Kodet and Paul Lokol, respectively, called on residents to support ongoing peace initiatives and government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting development.

Residents at the meeting emphasised the need for communities to work closely with security agencies to prevent cattle theft.

They identified early warning mechanisms, local vigilance and information sharing as key measures for improving security.

Among the proposals raised were the application of stronger penalties against convicted cattle thieves, increased troop deployment in vulnerable areas, sustained day and night patrols to protect kraals and homesteads, and greater involvement of women in security management and intelligence gathering.