Amuru declares war on cattle thieves

11 March 2026, 6:49 pm

By Gift Okello

Authorities in Amuru District have banned the transportation of animals at night in a move aimed at curbing the persistent cases of livestock theft reported across the district with the immediate effect.

The directive was confirmed by the Amuru District Chairperson, Michael Lakony, who said the decision follows increasing reports of stolen animals in several communities.

Lakony told our reporter that his office will work closely with the office of the Resident District Commissioner to ensure strict enforcement of the ban on the nighttime movement of animals.

According to Lakony, security agencies recently recovered more than 200 heads of cattle that had been stolen between December last year and January this year. The animals had reportedly been smuggled across the border into South Sudan.

Lakony also blamed some community members for failing to properly monitor their livestock, a situation he said has contributed to the rising cases of theft.

Meanwhile, a resident of Gaya Parish in Pabo Sub-county, Robert Kilama, described the situation as worrying and called on district leaders to take stronger measures to protect communities.

Kilama said that within the past week alone, two cattle were stolen from the area. He added that only the skin of one of the animals was later discovered at a local butcher’s place.

Efforts to obtain a comment from the Resident District Commissioner of Amuru District, Osborn Oceng, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to repeated phone calls.

However, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Proscovia Acham, confirmed that cases of livestock theft have indeed been reported in the district. She declined to give further details, saying she was currently on leave and had not yet reported back to office.

District authorities say the ban on the nighttime transportation of animals is expected to strengthen efforts to combat livestock theft and improve security for farmers across the district.