Weekly livestock markets encouraging cattle theft in Karamoja, says minister

The Minister for Karamoja, John Byabagambi has said weekly livestock markets are abetting cattle theft in the Karamoja region. 

Byabagambi was in the region on a fact-finding tour and the launch of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) five year project on food and nutrition security worth $75m at Moroto playground.   
     
He said some of the cattle stolen from the region ends up in Kampala abattoirs. 

"we have heard of many cases of cattle theft in this region of Karamojo, but surprisingly most of the cattle that is stolen in this region end ups in Kampala Abbatoirs," Byabagambi said.

He said more children in Karamoja prefer to look after their parents livestock to attending school despite the governments efforts to reverse the trend.

"Most children in Karamoja are now looking after cows and goats instead of going to school. We have tried to encourage parents to send their children to school by constructing more classroom blocks in each sub-county in the region," he said.

 Byabagambi and Malac tour some of stands during the launch 

He advised the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), and Chief Administrator Officers (CAO) to monitor and ensure that government programmes in the region run smoothly.

The US ambassador to Uganda, Deborah Malac said there's need for new investment and opportunities in the region.

"As we all know, Karamoja is in the midst of social, ecological and economic transition. The region continues to recover from decades of conflict and instability," she said.

"Despite the challenges the region faces, there are many opportunities to invest in because of its ample rainfall and fertile soils."

Malac also commended the government for improving infrastructure and road network in the region. She said the US government remains committed to supporting and empowering Karamoja.

"The launch of a five year development food security activities in partnership with Catholic Relief Services, Mercy Corps and local partners will address the chronic food and nutrition insecurity of more than 665,000 people," she said.

Malac added that activities will also aim to improve health and nutrition among the pregnant and lactating women as well children under the age of two.

"These activities boost household income through improved on and off -farm livelihoods and strengthen local governance and civil society advocacy around food and nutrition -related priorities," she said.

LCV chairman Moroto, Andrew Keem Napaja hailed the government and US for the assistance saying that it will have a positive impact on the livelihoods of the people in the area. 

"We want you to send the money directly to us for the direct benefit of the people in Karamoja, we can make accountability and we have the capacity," Napaja said.