The Uganda Police Force has reintroduced abrupt roadblocks along all highways across Western Uganda to curb the rising cattle theft in the region, Spyreports has learned.
The new directive was issued by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Bamunoba Ubalido, the Chief Political Commissar, during a meeting with other security chiefs at Ibanda District Hall. Among those present were RDCs, DISOs, RISOs, the LCV chairperson, DPCs, and the Resident State Attorney, among others.
According to the police, the meeting was convened following numerous complaints from residents of Ibanda District and surrounding areas about cattle theft, theft of agricultural produce, land disputes, and domestic violence. “There is a high crime rate in Ibanda, and our lives, animals, and produce are not safe. We call upon the police to step in and help us,” a local resident was quoted as saying during the meeting.
After considering these complaints, the police and other security chiefs agreed to resume abrupt roadblocks to address the situation. “During our roadblocks, we shall have veterinary officers across the sub-counties to regulate and monitor the movement of cattle,” said AIGP Bamunoba Ubalido.
The police chief emphasized that political enmity among leaders must end to foster unity and strengthen collective responsibility in tackling community challenges. “I urge all stakeholders to engage in security and community sensitization efforts,” he said, adding that the collaboration will involve religious leaders and community-based organizations (CBOs), whose roles are vital in promoting awareness, conflict resolution, and social cohesion.
Insiders at the meeting revealed that sub-counties will also resume enforcing by-laws aimed at preventing crimes and strengthening local accountability mechanisms. “I am ordering the reactivation of sub-county security meetings chaired by LCIII chairpersons to enhance grassroots security coordination,” said the Police Chief.
He added that these engagements are part of the Inspector General of Police’s ongoing security and community sensitization initiative in cattle corridor areas, aiming to enhance public safety, strengthen partnerships with communities, and promote proactive crime prevention. The security meetings and community sensitization efforts will continue to Kazo and Kiruhura.
