‘Mr President, You Are a Cattle Farmer Like Us’ — Muduuma Residents Appeal to Museveni Over Cattle Theft

What the report says

Residents of Muduuma Sub-county in Mpigi District, Uganda, have appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for help as cattle theft continues to undermine their livelihoods, according to Nile Post. The residents say livestock loss has become a long-running problem over the past four years and has affected households that depend on cattle for milk, income, school fees and farm manure.

The article says farmers in the area have lost hundreds of animals, with some now spending nights guarding their herds. One resident, Alex Kyaterekera, said thieves have shifted from night raids to daytime thefts, while another, Nalongo Nansubuga, said she lost all 10 of her cattle in one incident and that armed attackers injured her husband. Locals also alleged that some suspects may be working with security officers, though the report presents this as a claim from residents rather than a confirmed finding.

Nile Post reported that some families have fallen into debt after losing animals bought with Parish Development Model funds, and others can no longer pay school fees. The article also noted that two suspects, Abdul Ssekazi and Joseph Ssemakula, appeared before Muduuma Grade One Magistrate Imran Kintu on cattle theft-related charges, denied the allegations and were remanded until August 20. Residents said they want tighter security and firmer prosecution, arguing that the president would understand their situation because he is also a livestock farmer.