KAMPALA: The re-organization of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and the introduction of the Kraal protection local personnel are among the strategies presented by Government to tackle cattle rustling in Northern Uganda.
Following concerns of cattle rustling in Northern Uganda, especially in Agago district and parts of Teso sub-region, the Government has said several measures to address the challenge are in the offing to stop incursions that have led to the loss of cattle by communities.
Making a presentation on Tuesday, 08 February 2022 before Parliament, David Muhoozi, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs said that because of the para-military operational nature of the cattle rustlers, it has been difficult to curb cattle rustling but they have come up with strategies that will work.
Muhoozi says that they will work with the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) to recruit low cadre ISO staff from the villages who will help when it comes to early warning.
He said another measure will be the setting up of Kraal protection local personnel as the bigger efforts are being prepared by Government.
Muhoozi says that intelligence organisations have been tasked to identify hotspots for deployment especially for cattle rustlers coming into Agago district from Karamoja region.
“Identifying some local personnel along the models of the Local Defence Units (LDUs) to man our areas as the bigger efforts are being mobilised. All these ideas are being firmed up to come up with a quick and fast solution,” Muhoozi said.
Hon William Chemonges (NRM, Kween County) says between last year and March 2022, Sebei region lost over 500 cattle to rustlers and at least five people were killed.
He blamed the rustling on Karimojong warriors, although Deputy Speaker Anita Among guided that there are several cattle rustlers and not only Karimojong.
Hon Rose Cherukut Emma, the Woman MP Kween says that the people in Sebei region have suffered as a result of cattle rustling.
“My people in the lower belt don’t have any peace at all; by 4:00 pm, they are already locking their houses for fear of cattle rustlers,” she said.
Bukooli County MP, Hon Simon Silwany, wondered why the Minister did not mention the number of people killed and animals stolen in the process.
“How many lives have we lost? What is the total population of animals taken away from the rightful owners and what is the Government plan?” Silwany asked.
The Deputy Speaker, Anita Among asked the Minister to give a timeframe under which Government can ensure peace in the region.
“When there was disarmament in Karamoja, there was a time limit and it was achieved. How much time do you need to report to this House that there is sufficient peace?” she said.
Muhoozi said they need at least three months to ensure normalcy in the areas most affected by cattle rustling.
“On the immediate and medium-term interventions, can we have three months,” Muhoozi asked.
Parliament granted the Minister three months, with the presiding officer saying at least cattle rustling should be seen to have reduced since it affects many people who rely on cattle.