Government has announced tougher security measures to address the escalating cases of cattle theft in the Greater Mbarara region, warning that the vice is undermining livelihoods, livestock investments, and key national poverty alleviation programmes.
Addressing the media at the Uganda Media Centre, the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, said authorities are stepping up coordinated action against organised criminal networks targeting farmers in western Uganda.
“The disturbing escalation of cattle theft in the Greater Mbarara region is a matter that has generated widespread public concern and legitimate outcry among our people,” she said.
She warned that cattle theft is no longer isolated crime but part of organised syndicates affecting multiple districts.
“What makes this situation more unfortunate is that some of the stolen cattle were purchased using funds accessed through the Parish Development Model (PDM),” she said
“Government deliberately invested these resources When criminals steal such livestock, they are sabotaging one of Government’s flagship socio-economic transformation programmes.”
The Minister stressed that livestock remains central to household wealth and the regional economy, calling the theft a direct attack on Uganda’s wealth creation agenda.
“Livestock is the backbone of the economy of Ankole and much of western Uganda. Their theft is therefore not merely a criminal offence but also a direct attack on Government’s wealth creation agenda,” she added.
Babalanda directed Resident District Commissioners, district security committees, and the Uganda Police Force to prioritise cattle theft as a top security concern, saying intelligence-led operations must be intensified.
“All RDCs/RCCs, DISOs and district security committees across the Greater Mbarara region are directed to treat cattle theft as a top security priority,” she said.
She further ordered increased patrols, stronger investigations, and dismantling of criminal syndicates believed to be operating across district and border lines.
Government investigations, she noted, indicate that stolen cattle are sold within Uganda in districts such as Mitooma and Kasese, while others are smuggled into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“No animal should be transported or traded without proper movement permits and verification of ownership,” she emphasized, warning that all livestock movements must be closely monitored.
The Minister also urged police commanders to fully deploy motorcycles previously supplied by government to improve mobility and response times in rural areas.
She called on farmers to strengthen vigilance and secure kraals, warning that community cooperation remains key in combating livestock theft.
Government says it remains committed to protecting farmers’ investments and restoring security in cattle-keeping communities across western Uganda.
