The minister for presidency right hon Milly Babirye Babalanda has issued a strong warning following the disturbing escalation of cattle theft in the greater ankole region a matter that she says has generated wide spread public concern and legitimate outcry among the people.
speaking to the media at the Uganda Media center, hon babalanda said government has received numerous reports indicating that cattle theft has reached an alarming proportions with many livestock farmers losing the very animal’s upon which livelihoods depend on and she emphasized that government can not allow such to continue.
“livestock is the backbone of the economy of Ankole and much of western Uganda. Beyond it’s economic value, cattle representsyears of hard work, family wealth and hope for a better future of the ankole people” said the minister.
there future is therefore not merely a criminal offense against individual farmers but also a direct attack on government’s wealth creation agenda and our mission of lifting Uganda s out of poverty.
according to the locals and farmers in ankole, some of the stolen cattle were purchased using funds accessed through the parish development module which makes even the situation more unfortunate.
the minister said that government deliberately invested these resources to enable vulnerable households to build sustainable incomes and escape poverty, so when criminals steal such livestock, they are sabotaging one of the government’s flagship social economic transformation program and frustrating the effort’s of hardworking Ugandan’s striking to improve their lives.
Let me therefore state clearly that the government will not tolerate individuals or organized criminal groups whose actions undermine the economic transmission of our people. ” Said babalanda
babalanda has also commended the Residence city commissioner of mbarara city Mr Nicholas Mugarura together with the district police commender and the entire district security team for the commendable progress registered so far whereby these operations have already led to the arrest of more than twenty suspects believed to be members of the organized criminal network responsible for these theft.
Government has further established that many of the stolen cattle are sold within Uganda, particularly in the districts of Mitooma and Kasese, while others are smuggled across our western border into the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Therefore, No animal should be transported or traded without proper movement permits and verification of ownership. Livestock markets, checkpoints and transport corridors must be subjected to heightened inspection. Anyone found transporting, purchasing or facilitating the movement of cattle without the requisite documentation should be thoroughly investigated.
The minister also reminded all police commanders at district and sub-county levels throughout the Greater Mbarara region that Government invested heavily in improving policing capacity by procuring motorcycles specifically to enhance mobility, surveillance and rapid response. Those motorcycles must now be fully deployed in protecting our farming communities. The public expects visible policing, timely response and proactive operations that prevent crime rather than merely responding after losses have occurred.
To our cattle keepers, hon babalanda argued them to remain alert and strengthen community vigilance. to Secure there kraals and properly identify there animals where possible, and immediately report suspicious persons, vehicles or unusual livestock movements.
