SIMPSON M
Residents and local leaders from Ruyonza Parish in Nyarushanje Subcounty, Rukungiri District have accused the police of failing to effectively address the increasing cases of livestock theft in the area.
Most communities in Nyarushanje rely heavily on farming for their livelihood, but livestock theft has become a major concern.
According to residents Musoke Gerevazi and Pauson Kajeere, Ruyonza Parish has lost over 10 cows, 15 goats, and several pigs in just the past eight months. They blame the rise in stock theft on police officers who arrest suspects but later release them without taking them to court or conducting proper investigations.
The residents cited a recent incident where a woman identified as Loy from Ruyonza Parish lost two goats. Although police responded with sniffer dogs and arrested a suspect, he was released the following day without any explanation or further investigation.
They said such actions have become common, with several suspects previously arrested but no serious measures taken. As a result, thieves have become emboldened and now steal without fear of consequences.
Loy Twebaze, a resident of Kabale Cell in Ruyonza Parish, shared her own experience, stating that she lost four goats in September last year, five cows in October, and five goats in December, one of which was slaughtered on her farm. Just last Monday, thieves again attacked her home and took two more goats.
She said that after calling the police, they arrived with dogs that traced a suspect who was arrested and taken to Nyarushanje Police Station. However, he was released the next day without any formal investigation, which she believes points to possible bribery and police corruption.
Loy blames the rampant livestock theft in their area on police negligence and corruption. She said the inaction of law enforcement has emboldened thieves, leaving farmers helpless and unsure of where to turn for help.
She appealed to police and local leaders to urgently address the issue, warning that thieves are leaving them with nothing.
According to her, police need to regain the community’s trust—and the best way to do that is by responding seriously and transparently to the concerns raised by residents.
