Overview:
Livestock theft has recently intensified in Olilim, Palam Sub-county, where between two and seven cattle were stolen in February 2026 alone. In other border sub-counties, residents report that between 1 and 3 cattle are stolen weekly.
Residents in the surrounding sub-counties of Ngariam, Okulonyo, Guyaguya, Palam, and Okore in Katakwi District have expressed growing concern about ongoing cattle thefts by suspected Karamojong raiders, calling for increased security.
Livestock theft has recently intensified in Olilim, Palam Sub-county, where between two and seven cattle were stolen in February 2026 alone. In other border sub-counties, residents report that between 1 and 3 cattle are stolen weekly.
Speaking by phone, John Robert Omoding, a resident of Olupe Town Board in Ngariam Sub-county, said the trend of cattle theft in the border areas is frustrating residents. He noted that the renewed raids appear to involve collaboration, as stolen animals are rarely recovered even after tracking their footprints.
He added that the most recent thefts in Olilim seem coordinated, with even cattle secured using chains reportedly stolen.
Residents in the Karamoja-bordering sub-counties have urged security agencies to intervene and address the rising incidents. Charles Ongoletum, former LCIII Chairperson for Guyaguya Sub-county, said between one and five livestock are stolen every two weeks. He, however, encouraged households to remain vigilant by securing their animals with chains and locks.
Stephen Ilemukorit Okure, the Resident District Commissioner of Katakwi District and Chairperson of the District Security Committee, confirmed the rise in cattle theft by suspected Karamojong raiders.
He emphasized that the renewed thefts are temporary, noting that district security officials are in contact with the top commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces 3rd Division to ensure soldiers are redeployed to strategic sites as was done during the election period.
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