Residents of Pallisa are living in fear over increased livestock thefts in the district.
The thieves mainly target cattle and goats in Opwateta, Kamuge and Kasodo sub-counties. Ben Amukikin, the Opwateta LC3 chairperson, said over 10 head of cattle were stolen this month.
“The thieves terrorising the area use the Pallisa-Kumi road, where the cattle are loaded onto vehicles,” Amukikin said.
He suspects that the thieves export their loot to Kenya via Tororo.
John Kedi, a resident of Opwateta, is one of those in tears after three of his cattle were stolen.
Robert Oumo, a cattle-keeper from Kamuge, appealed to Police to resume night patrols.
“I have lost several animals to the thieves. There is need for collaborative efforts by the inter-district security teams to address the thefts,” Oumo said.
What security says
Meanwhile, the Pallisa district security committee, headed by the resident district commissioner, Majid Dhikusoka, recently convened a security meeting to address the issue.
Dhikusoka said they are probing some local leaders who are suspected to be promoting cattle thefts.
“We have got clues which indicate that some local leaders connive with the thieves,” Majid noted. He said security would resume night patrols and community policing to mobilise residents to be vigilant.
