Pader registers 27 cases of cattle theft within four months

1 May 2026, 8:18 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

Police in Pader District have registered a total of 27 cases of cattle theft within the past four months, raising alarm among security agencies and local leaders over the growing threat to livelihoods and development.

The District Police Commander of Pader, SP Jackson Bogere, described the situation as worrying, saying the district is “bleeding” due to persistent livestock theft.

While addressing local leaders, security personnel, and livestock traders during a security meeting held at the district council hall on April 30, 2026, Bogere emphasized the need for collective responsibility in tackling the vice.

Reading from police records, Bogere provided a month-by-month breakdown of reported cases from January to April 2026.

In January, five cases were reported, with six suspects arrested. Three suspects were convicted while two cases remain pending. Several animals were recovered, although some are still missing.

February recorded seven cases, with ten suspects arrested. Four were convicted and six cases are still pending. A total of 20 animals were stolen, with 19 recovered and one still missing.

March was the most affected month, registering ten cases. Eight suspects were arrested, with four convictions and four cases pending. Out of 17 animals stolen, only three were recovered, leaving 14 unaccounted for.

In April, five cases were reported, with ten suspects charged in court. Most animals were recovered, though a few remain missing.

Bogere noted that the figures only reflect reported cases, warning that many incidents in the community go unreported.

The DPC pointed out gaps in enforcement, particularly in the issuance and monitoring of animal movement permits, accusing some traders of using bribery to bypass procedures.

He also questioned local leaders on their supervisory roles at checkpoints and revenue collection centers, saying some have prioritized revenue over security.

Bogere further cited porous routes and the use of motorcycles to transport stolen animals as a major challenge, urging leaders to identify and monitor all livestock entry and exit points.

He also raised concern over unregulated butcheries, calling for proper registration and strict veterinary inspection of animals before slaughter.

Meanwhile, Phillips Adonga Ojok, who represented the LC5 Chairperson of Pader District, warned that insecurity—particularly livestock theft—is undermining development.

He noted that livestock theft is affecting household incomes and the wider economy, especially among communities that depend on animal trade.

Adonga also raised concern over the involvement of idle youth in criminal activities, calling on leaders at all levels to take responsibility.

With schools closing for holidays, he urged leaders and parents to guide young people to prevent them from being drawn into crime.

He also highlighted security gaps in areas such as Atanga Sub-county, where deployment remains inadequate despite being key livestock trade routes.

The Pader District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Okeny S. Robert, called for strict adherence to livestock movement laws and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

Speaking at the same meeting, Dr. Okeny described the engagement as historic, noting that it brought together key players in the livestock value chain for the first time.

He emphasized that responsibility cuts across all actors, including traders, transporters, butchers, local leaders, and veterinary officers.

Dr. Okeny S. Robert the district Veterinary Officer Pader taking participants through the process of acquiring necessary documents regarding animal movement 

Dr. Okeny warned that failure to address the challenges could lead to further loss of livelihoods, noting that livestock theft has become widespread in the district.

He added that beyond the thieves, buyers of suspicious livestock are fueling the vice.

He further emphasized that livestock movement is regulated by laws aimed at preventing disease spread and ensuring animal welfare.

The meeting, which brought together security personnel, technical staff, local leaders, politicians, livestock traders, and butchers, aimed at identifying practical and lasting solutions to livestock theft and irregular animal movement in Pader District.

Both leaders and technical officers emphasized the need for collective action, vigilance, and strict adherence to procedures to curb the vice.