Police Reinforce Cattle Theft Hotspots As Sub-county Model Targets Faster Response

What the report says

Police in Uganda have strengthened deployments in cattle-theft hotspots as Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba reviews how ready security teams are and how well they are coordinating under a grassroots policing plan, according to Nile Post. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the assessment led to extra personnel in some areas, with the aim of improving response times when livestock theft is reported.

The force is relying on the Sub-county Policing Model to bring services closer to communities, especially in rural and cattle-rearing areas where stolen livestock can hit household incomes and local livelihoods. Nile Post reports that the model envisions fully functioning police stations at sub-county, municipal and town council level, with officers assigned to patrols, investigations, intelligence work, child and family protection, and community liaison.

Rusoke said the wider plan includes about 12 general-duty officers per sub-county, supported by equipment such as motorcycles and communication tools. Police has also distributed more than 1,200 counter phones, and had earlier announced 1,275 dedicated telephone lines for operational sub-county stations so residents can report suspicious activity more quickly.

The renewed focus comes amid broader concerns over organized livestock theft in Uganda’s cattle corridor. As background, police have also been increasing rural patrols, tightening animal movement checks and tracking suspected thieves and receivers of stolen animals. The current reinforcement appears aimed at making those efforts more immediate and locally responsive.