KAMPALA – The government has mobilized security forces and placed them on high alert, launching a coordinated crackdown targeting the organized syndicates behind the distressing surge in cattle theft across western Uganda.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The announcement was made by the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, while addressing the press on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Uganda Media Centre.
The Minister revealed that the government has received numerous reports confirming that cattle theft in the region has reached alarming levels, with many farmers losing livestock that their livelihoods depend on.
“Livestock is the backbone of Ankole and western Uganda’s economy. Beyond value, cattle embody years of toil, family wealth, and hope. Their theft is not just a crime against farmers but an attack on the government’s wealth creation and poverty eradication mission,” Minister Babalanda stated.
The Minister underscored the deep socio-economic sabotage at play, revealing that a significant portion of the stolen animals were purchased using funds from the Parish Development Model (PDM).
She noted that the government deliberately invested these resources to enable vulnerable households to build sustainable incomes and escape poverty.
Minister Babalanda placed security forces on high alert, ordering all RDCs, RCCs, DISOs, and district committees to treat cattle theft as a top-priority crime requiring an urgent, coordinated response.
She directed the Uganda Police to intensify intelligence-led operations, patrols, and investigations, and to dismantle syndicates with a more organized, decisive approach.
“I am directing all security committees and Police to treat cattle theft as a top priority. I am also calling for more intelligence, patrols, and investigations to break up criminal gangs. The criminals are organized, so our response must be equally decisive,” Babalanda declared.
Minister Babalanda further applauded the Mbarara RDC, Nicholas Nuwagira, the DPC, and the district security team for their vigilance, which resulted in the arrest of over twenty organized crime suspects.
Government intelligence has traced stolen cattle to markets in Mitooma and Kasese, while other animals are smuggled across the western border into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Meanwhile, in response, Minister Babalanda has directed that no livestock be transported or traded without valid movement permits and proof of ownership.
She also ordered heightened inspections at all markets, checkpoints, and transport routes, with strict penalties for anyone found moving cattle without proper documentation.
“Stolen cattle are sold in Mitooma and Kasese, and smuggled into DR Congo. I have directed that no animal be moved without permits and proof of ownership. All markets and checkpoints must face strict inspection, and anyone caught trading cattle without papers will be investigated,” Babalanda warned.
The Minister noted the government’s investment in police motorcycles for mobility and rapid response, demanding full deployment to protect farmers through visible, proactive crime prevention rather than reactive response.
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