Nwoya locals sleep on roads to guard livestock against thieves

NWOYA - Residents and local leaders of Bigur village in Uganda's northern district of Nwoya have resorted to sleeping at roadblocks to guard their livestock and poultry against invading thieves.

Locals say the theft of their animals by unknown gangs during nighttime has persisted for a long time.

Everlyn Aringo, a resident of Bigur village, Langol parish in Paminyai sub-county, said she lost five goats to thieves who raided the area under the cover of darkness. The invaders also reportedly stole other valuables from the community.

“I bought the goats for grazing using money that I had saved for a long time, with the hope that they would multiply in the future. I am a single mother taking care of my three children. These thieves have left me with no option. I don’t know what my future will be like if this continues,” said a distraught Aringo.

Her village chairperson, Alfred Ocaci, said that in March this year alone, more than 80 goats and seven cows were stolen from the village, denting the livelihoods of farmers who depend on livestock and poultry for sustenance.

Ocaci said the thieves often operate at night, using motorbikes to access the area.

They reportedly steal goats and cows, slaughter them, cut the meat into pieces, and transport it towards Gulu city, a trend that is not only causing economic losses, but is also posing a growing security threat in the area.

“People have now resorted to sharing rooms with their animals and birds as theft has intensified. Leaders have also started putting up roadblocks at night to intercept anyone moving under suspicious circumstances,” said Ocaci.

He added that community leaders have mobilised residents to remain alert and work together to deter the criminals. But he was keen to add that the efforts of the community alone are not enough to fully address the problem without stronger intervention from security agencies.

He urged security authorities in Paminyai sub-county to intensify night patrols, especially during the early hours of the morning, when most of the thefts occur, so that the suspects can be apprehended and prosecuted in courts of law.

'Remain vigilant'

Holy Moses Ojok, the district vice-chairperson of Nwoyat, confirmed the reports of animal theft and attributed the vice to idle youth who lack employment opportunities and resort to stealing people’s property as a means of survival.

He said the district has registered numerous cases in which farmers report that gangs steal animals, skin them in the bush, and transport only the meat to unknown markets, making it difficult to trace the stolen livestock.

“I urge communities keeping animals and birds to remain vigilant, especially at night, in order to protect their livestock from thieves."

Ojok further said the district leadership is planning to establish roadblocks in various areas as a strategy to trap the culprits. The measure will also ensure that animals being transported are accompanied by valid movement permits to curb illegal trade.

Despite these efforts, residents remain anxious, fearing that the continued theft of livestock could worsen their already fragile livelihoods if urgent action is not taken.

Many households in the area depend heavily on livestock for income, school fees, and daily survival, making the losses particularly devastating.

Local leaders have, therefore, called for coordinated efforts between the community, security agencies, and district authorities to restore order and protect livelihoods in the affected areas.