STAFF REPORTER
The Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (General Duties), Henry Musasizi Ariganyira, has stepped in to address the persistent issue of livestock theft in Nyamweru Sub-county, Rubanda District.
This intervention follows a protest by residents from Bigungiro Parish, who stormed the Kigezi Regional Police Headquarters in Kabale municipality. The residents demanded the release of three individuals detained for allegedly lynching a suspected thief caught with a stolen cow. They accused the police of focusing more on arresting those involved in mob justice than on apprehending the criminals responsible for stealing their livestock.
The protest, led by Nyamweru Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Alex Nkwasibwe and Bigungiro LCII Chairperson Fred Byakwaga, included allegations that police officers are complicit in the thefts. They claimed officers release suspects in exchange for bribes and demand payments from complainants to register cases and start investigations.
At a security meeting held over the weekend at Kagoye Primary School in Keru Village, Bigungiro Parish, Minister Musasizi urged residents to avoid mob justice and to hand over suspects to law enforcement for proper legal proceedings. He also warned police officers against engaging in corrupt practices and extortion, which residents argue have worsened the problem of livestock theft in the area. Musasizi assured residents that he would escalate their concerns to the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, for prompt action.
Rubanda District Police Commander, Abel Barugahare, acknowledged incidents of corruption among officers and encouraged residents to report such behavior to ensure disciplinary measures are taken.
Rubanda District LC5 Chairman, Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, urged the government to increase the police fuel budget to enhance patrols and reduce criminal activity in the area.
