Lwengo Residents Thwart Cattle Thieves, Burn Suspects' Vehicle

Residents of Kijwala A Village in Lwengo District demonstrated swift community action on Friday, preventing a cattle theft and recovering stolen animals. The villagers mobilized after hearing an alarm from a neighboring area, quickly setting up roadblocks to intercept the suspects.

Forced by the community’s organized response, the thieves abandoned their vehicle and fled into a nearby forest, leaving behind the stolen cow. In a bold move, the enraged residents then set the abandoned vehicle ablaze, reducing it to ashes. The owner of the recovered cow, Victor Motovu, recounted how his wife discovered the animal missing and later heard it responding from the forest where the suspects had hidden.

This incident underscores growing concerns about livestock theft in the Lwengo area, with village chairperson John Kayinga lamenting the lack of a nearby police post. He stated that the absence of timely police response makes residents vulnerable and risks them taking matters into their own hands. Kayinga appealed for increased police presence to combat rampant theft of various animals.

Local leaders, including area councillor Mubarak Kabugo and Lwengo District chairperson Abasi Kizito, acknowledged the rise in cattle theft. They noted that thieves exploit the proximity to neighboring districts like Rakai and Kyotera to carry out their crimes and evade capture. They are urging for enhanced security measures and inter-district cooperation.

Masaka Regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed that a manhunt for the suspects is underway, while also cautioning the public against resorting to vigilantism. The community’s decisive action, however, highlights the urgent need for improved security infrastructure and collaboration to tackle criminal activities effectively.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lwengo-residents-foil-cattle-theft-torch-thieves-vehicle-5627024