NABILATUK,UGANDA – Community leaders and residents from Napak and Nabilatuk districts have called for stronger measures against cattle thieves during a joint security meeting convened by the 3 Infantry Division at Nabwal Sub-County, Nabilatuk District.
The meeting was chaired by the Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Wilberforce Sserunkuma. It brought together District and Sub-County Security Committees, Peace Committees, LC I chairpersons, kraal leaders, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, opinion leaders, and women representatives from Kosike, Nabilatuk, Natirae, Nabwal, Lorengecora, and Lotome sub-counties.
Maj. Gen. Sserunkuma urged young people to engage in lawful and productive activities and refrain from cattle theft. He warned that individuals involved in cattle theft or collaborating with criminals will face arrest and prosecution.
“Poverty breeds insecurity. Work hard and walk out of poverty. The small illegal activity of cattle stealing will only take us back to cattle rustling and may cause lawlessness. Report any suspicious wrong elements so they are apprehended before havoc befalls you,” he said.
The Division Commander called on residents to support government poverty alleviation programmes and cooperate with local leaders and government officials. He also directed Resident District Commissioners to support regular security committee meetings at the sub-county level.
“Don’t wait for the District Security Committee to handle all security matters. Let sub-counties conduct security committees so that security matters are also tackled from the grassroots,” he said.
The Resident District Commissioners of Napak, Mr. Milton Odong, and Nabilatuk, Mr. Lotem Linos, pledged continued collaboration with communities and security agencies to maintain peace and security. They urged individuals in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily or face disarmament operations.
Bokora County MP Emmanuel Illukol said the fight against cattle theft requires active community involvement, noting anyone found participating will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The LCV Chairpersons of Nabilatuk, Paul Kodet, and Napak, Paul Lokol, called on residents to support peace initiatives and government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and development.
Key proposals from residents:
1. Apply stronger penalties against convicted cattle thieves
2. Increase troop deployment in vulnerable areas
3. Sustain day and night patrols to protect kraals and homesteads
4. Strengthen early warning mechanisms, local vigilance, and information sharing
5. Increase involvement of women in security management and intelligence gathering
Residents also expressed concern over what they described as frequent release of suspects arrested for cattle theft, saying some offenders return to commit similar crimes.
The meeting concluded with a commitment by security agencies, local leaders, and community representatives to enhance cooperation to curb cattle theft and improve security in Napak and Nabilatuk districts.
Source: UPDF Official Website
