Officials accuse some LC I Chairpersons of creating loopholes for livestock thieves

4 August 2026, 10:51 am

By Geoffrey Okwong

Security and veterinary authorities in Pader District have accused some Local Council I (LC I) chairpersons of issuing livestock ownership letters without properly verifying the origin and ownership of animals, a practice they say is creating loopholes for livestock thieves to move stolen animals across districts.

The concerns were raised following the interception of two trucks carrying livestock at Paiula Sub-county in Pader District while reportedly heading to Arua City, where traders said demand for animals is high.

District Police Commander SP Jackson Bogere alleged that some LC I leaders in Angagura Sub-county have been facilitating illegal livestock movement by issuing letters to people whose ownership of animals they have not verified.

Bogere said livestock movement permits will now be issued centrally through the District Veterinary Office and warned LC I chairpersons against issuing letters that authorise movement of animals.

The Pader District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Robert .S. Okeny, said poor documentation and negligence by some local leaders have created gaps that can be exploited by livestock thieves.

He said some LC I chairpersons issue ownership letters without confirming where the animals came from or whether the person requesting the letter is the genuine owner.

The District Veterinary Officer for Agago, Robert Okwera, explained that the LC I letter is only one part of the livestock movement process and does not give final authority to transport animals.

He said livestock traders must first obtain a valid trading licence and that anyone buying animals should obtain an ownership letter from the LC I chairperson of the area where the animals were purchased.

He explained that after obtaining proof of ownership, the animals must be inspected by veterinary officers, who then issue a health certificate or movement permit allowing transportation from the origin to the destination.

Okwera urged LC I chairpersons to only issue ownership letters after confirming the source and ownership of animals.

The officials said strengthening livestock documentation and enforcing movement regulations will help reduce livestock theft, control animal diseases and improve traceability of animals across the region.

The LC I chairpersons accused by the officials had not responded to the allegations by the time this report was filed.