East Acholi farmers given one-week ultimatum to secure stray cattle
Authorities say animals left to roam freely during the dry season have become easy targets for thieves. Farmers have been warned to comply within seven days or face penalties.
A communual krall in Namokora sub-couty. The Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) says the uncontrolled movement of cattle is undermining security operations. (Credit: Christopher Nyeko)
KITGUM - Security personnel in the east Acholi region districts of Kitgum, Agago, Lamwo and Pader have issued a one-week ultimatum to livestock farmers to retrieve their cattle and return them to protected kraals.
Authorities say animals left to roam freely during the dry season have become easy targets for thieves. Farmers have been warned to comply within seven days or face penalties.
Rising cattle theft sparks crackdown
The directive follows a surge in cattle theft in the East Acholi sub-region. Suspected thieves from Karamoja and South Sudan are reportedly sneaking into the area and stealing unattended livestock.
The Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) says the uncontrolled movement of cattle is undermining security operations.
Officials have emphasised that these incidents should be treated as outright theft rather than traditional cattle raiding.
Confiscation and fine for non-compliance
According to Gabriel Otukutipu, the UPDF sector intelligence officer, farmers have seven days to ensure their cattle are secured in guarded kraals.
After the deadline, any animals found roaming freely will be confiscated and placed in secure custody.
Owners will be required to pay a penalty of sh50,000 to reclaim their livestock. The funds collected will be remitted to the respective sub-counties where the cattle are held.