A section of farmers and residents of Wakyoya Cell, Kiduma Ward in Hoima City West Division have expressed concerns over growing livestock theft and insecurity.

They say growing theft has undermined their households’ income.

According to the farmers, living in a society coupled with rampant theft has made them live in fear of engaging in productive activities, especially livestock farming.

“Some of us who own livestock like cows have now resorted to selling them in fear of losing them to thieves. And it has caused us poor standards of living,” they say.

The farmers spoke during the establishment of ten village security committee members with the aim of curbing increased insecurity in the area.

It was during the first village meeting held at the home of Wakyoya LC1 chairperson, Abeli Kibakuteireho aka Senior.

Some of the residents who preferred anonymity noted that the situation has made them unable to manage the costs of necessities at their households, including medication, clothing, and the education of their children.

However, none of the residents and farmers reported the number of livestock lost to thieves over a period of time.

Speaking during the meeting, Abeli Kibakuteireho assured communities of restored security, noting that every selected committee member will be in charge of about five households.

The selected committee team includes Tadeo Byaruhanga, Royal Kaahwa, Paul Babwenda, Kaahwa Kenneth, Irumba Fred, Wamani Steven, Isingoma Jimmy Kwamya, Muhanguzi Colline Mussisi, Wabwire Fred, and Robert Kwesiga, as well as the chief security advisor.

The above team will be headed by the LC1 chairperson and vice chairperson of the village.

“Let’s have trust in this security team by not fearing to keep domestic animals,” Kibakuteireho urged residents

The meeting also selected the Village Internal Security Officers (VISO) team comprising Kaahwa Pius and Rosemary Nagawa, who resolved that all bar owners shall serve as informers to the security committee.

Meanwhile, Kibakuteireho also challenged residents to embrace coffee farming to improve household income and to take advantage of the government programmes.

“Coffee was a major crop that both our grandparents and parents lived on. I therefore encourage everyone, especially those who embrace coffee farming, to improve their livelihoods,” he said.

He later urged parents to support their children’s education, saying that failure to do so will not produce good citizens.

Despite police interventions to curb the vice, livestock theft continues, with thieves using different techniques to steal and transport cows and goats from private farms.