Residents of Kaharo Sub-County in Kabale District are raising concerns about an alarming surge in animal thefts, which they say is undermining government efforts to eradicate poverty. The residents voiced their grievances on January 8, 2025, while receiving piglets donated by Kabale District Woman MP, Hon. Atwakiire Catherine Ndamira.
Community leaders, including Mbabazi Paison and Christina Bikogwaomuhangi Kazigo, attributed the thefts to idle youth who dropped out of school and now spend their days playing matatu and their nights stealing livestock. They also pointed out that many animals purchased through the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds have been stolen by individuals reportedly involved in marijuana abuse.
“Most of the animals we’ve worked hard to acquire through PDM funds have been stolen, leaving us with no choice but to ask the government for a second round of funding to recover from the losses,” Kazigo said.
In response, Hon. Atwakiire Catherine Ndamira highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue through enhanced community security measures. She urged the establishment of stronger village security teams to combat the rising criminality and protect residents’ assets.
This growing problem of livestock theft has been acknowledged by district leaders, who pledged to collaborate with local authorities to implement effective solutions.
The donation of piglets by Hon. Ndamira forms part of her ongoing initiatives to support household incomes and reduce poverty in the region. However, the residents emphasized that such efforts risk being derailed unless the thefts are urgently addressed.
The community’s concerns reflect a broader challenge in the district, where increased livestock theft is becoming a significant barrier to economic empowerment and poverty alleviation.
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