________________________

The Masindi Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Emmy Ngabirano, has warned that there will be no automatic bail for anyone arrested over involvement in livestock theft. 

Every festive season livestock theft is always at its peak mostly in the sub-counties of Kimengo, Kijunjubwa, and Bwijanga, and also Kijunjubwa Town Council in Masindi District. 

Residents sometimes complain that whenever the culprits are arrested, they are immediately given a Police bond or court bail something they say escalates livestock theft. 

"In case you are arrested, you will be kept in Masindi Central Prison until the new year. Whoever risks involving himself in cattle theft, you are safer with us in Masindi Central Prison. I warn you not to indulge yourselves in this vice because it won't be good on your side," Ngabirano told New Vision. 

The Masindi District Police Commander (DPC), Jacob Chepsikor, explained to New Vision that whoever is arrested will be immediately produced in court. 

"There will be no time for negotiations. While I was in Amolatar District as a DPC, I saw many cases of cattle theft from Masindi, Kiryandongo, Nakasongola, and Nakaseke. I know you have a lot of tricks but we are coming for you," warned Chepsikor who was recently deployed in Masindi. 

He asked Masindi residents to always inform security in time in case they detect any form of livestock-related theft, adding that they are alert and ready to intervene. 

Bright Mugume, the LCIII chairperson Kimengo sub-county, says that cattle thieves have a lot of tricks, adding that it is very hard to understand them. 

"They slaughter our animals and put the meat in sacks. Sometimes they load cows in private cars. As leaders and the cattle keepers, we are also prepared for them," said Mugume. 

Mansuru Bwohe, the Kijunjubwa sub-county LCIII chairperson, said on average, 5-10 cows are stolen in a week, adding that as local leaders, in collaboration with security, have intensified operations and many culprits have been arrested.