UPDF Appeals to Northern Farmers to Halt Bush-Burning to Aid Security Operations

19 February 2026, 9:14 am

By Bondry Kilenga

Farm land cleared using fire photo by Bondry Kilenga

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces-UPDF attached to the 5^th Infantry Division has urged farmers in the northern districts of Abim, Kitgum, and Agago to abandon the traditional practice of seasonal bush-burning, citing its detrimental impact on the military’s “Dumisha Usalama” (Protect Security) campaign against cattle rustling.

Captain Ibrahim Ssekitto the 5th infantry division Public Information Officer warns that the uncontrolled fires create barriers that hamper troop patrols and mobility.

Crucially, Ssekitto argues that burned, open landscapes provide rustlers with clear routes to drive stolen livestock out of the region, undermining recovery efforts.

He notes that the practice, used mostly for hunting, land clearance and pest control, now conflicts with modern security and environmental needs, noting that burning bushes accelerates soil erosion and destroys natural vegetation that acts as a barrier against criminal movement.

Despite this challenge, Ssekitto reports a recent calm as no cattle raid was registered last week in the region adding that a significant success in recovering stolen livestock was realized stating that 104 herds of cattle and 34 goats have so far been recovered this year.

The operation has also seen 4 cattle rustlers put out of action, recovered one AK‑47 rifle with three rounds of ammunition, a cache of traditional bows and arrows and three mobile phones that investigators believe were used to coordinate the raids.