news 16 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Police to Launch Database Targeting Repeat Livestock Thieves Amid Rising Theft Cases
Uganda Police, alongside cattle owners and leaders in Kiruhura and Kazo, have agreed to create a database of habitual livestock thieves and boost patrols to combat surging thefts fueled by urban beef demand. Additional steps include stricter movement permits and crackdowns on illegal meat sales. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/security-to-develop-database-of-habitual-livestock-thieves-5392470
Livestock farmers in Uganda are facing increased losses from rampant cattle theft, driven by high demand for beef in urban areas like Kampala and Mbarara. Thieves are selling stolen animals cheaply on the black market, using vehicles such as Toyota Noahs and motorcycles for transport.
During a recent meeting in the Kiruhura and Kazo cattle corridors, security officials, political leaders, and cattle owners outlined preventive actions. Key among them is developing a database to track repeat offenders, alongside enhanced rural patrols, enforcement of animal movement permits, and stronger sub-county security committees.
AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, Director of Operations at Uganda Police Force, emphasized that modern livestock theft is organized and commercialized. He called for public and local leader collaboration to identify and prosecute thieves. Police will also partner with veterinary officers to curb illegal meat sales and conduct snap checks on transport routes.
A quick-response model for detection, interception, and prosecution has been established. Herdsmen registration aims to prevent insider collaboration with criminals.
Recent data from Nakasongola, Nakaseke, and Luwero shows 492 cattle stolen between September 2024 and March 2025, with 172 more in early 2026. Operations recovered 310 animals by September 2025. In Ibanda, thieves slaughtered cattle on farms and transported meat in milk cans to nearby districts.
Security leaders like Maj Gen Charles Byanyima and SSP Michael Kasigire highlighted checkpoint weaknesses, night transport bans, and community interference as ongoing challenges.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)