

26 January 2024, 11:00 am
By Otim Moses Arapmoi
LCI Chairpersons in Kitgum district have been blamed for sleeping on the job, resulting into various cases of misusing stamps that end up aiding livestock thefts.
According to Mr. Odong Michael, the Mucwini East Sub County Chairperson, the LCIs normally leave their official stamps in the hands of their children or spouses who act on their behalves by stamping documents authorizing movement of stolen animals.
Mr. Odong, who doubles as the Secretary for the Association of LCIII Chairpersons in Kitgum district said in some cases, the children of the LCI Chairpersons are directly involved in stealing animals like cattle and goats using the stamps as official seal.
Meanwhile, the Kitgum Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Hajj Walire Marijan revealed that they are banning the movement of animals at night adding that their investigations have revealed that tricycles (locally known as Tuk-tuks) have now become the most used means by thieves to transport stolen animals under the cover of darkness.
While appearing on Tembo FM on Wednesday morning, Hajj Walire noted that LCI Chairpersons will be held accountable if their stamps aid thefts or any forms of criminality.
In Northern Uganda, animals are left to roam in the dry season due to scarcity of water and pasture, a practice that many leaders have rebuked as barbaric since it endangers the safety and health of the animals.