In an effort to strengthen security in Luuka District, residents of Bumanha Trading Center, located in Bukanga Sub County, have agreed with security authorities to establish a police station in the area. This decision follows growing concerns over rampant cattle theft in the region, particularly in Namukubembe Parish, Bukanga Sub County.
The decision was made during a security meeting held on Thursday, where local residents raised their concerns about the increasing cattle theft, which has begun to cause significant insecurity in the area.
Security officials in Luuka have been receiving multiple complaints regarding the rise in cattle theft in the Bumanha area. In response, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Luuka, Umar Ntogona, who was representing his superior Hajjat Hawa Ndege, led an intervention to address the situation.
During the meeting, residents voiced their frustrations, citing the involvement of village chairpersons who, they claimed, were issuing recommendation letters to anyone wanting to become a cattle trader. They accused the village chairpersons of neglecting their duties as heads of security in the villages, which they believe contributed to the rising crime and cattle theft in the area.
The residents also identified individuals they suspect are behind the cattle theft in Namukubembe Parish and urged the office of the RDC, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO), and the police to investigate these individuals.
In response, Assistant RDC Umar Ntogona directed the District Criminal Investigations Division (CID) to open a general inquiry file to investigate the allegations. He also instructed the village chairpersons to report to the Central Police Station (CPS) to provide statements regarding the issues raised. Additionally, Ntogona encouraged the victims of cattle theft to go to CPS and identify the suspects, so the police can investigate further.
In the same meeting, Assistant RDC Ntogona issued an order prohibiting butchers from selling unstamped meat in Luuka District. He emphasized that stamped meat has been inspected by experts and has passed all necessary health and safety checks.
Furthermore, cattle traders in Luuka will now be subject to a more stringent licensing process. Anyone wishing to obtain a license from the veterinary officer must first undergo a village audit. The LC I chairman will convene a village council meeting to discuss and approve the issuance of the license. The recommendation letter from the village chairman must be accompanied by the meeting minutes. If the licensing process is bypassed or violated, the individual will face prosecution.
Ntogona commended the residents of Bumanha for being open and sharing their concerns with the security authorities. He encouraged the community to continue cooperating with the police by providing information that could help in the fight against crime and the identification of criminals in the area.
