Oyam, Uganda – Lango Sub-region opinion leaders have issued a strong warning to Local Council One (LC1) chairpersons to avoid actions that could enable livestock theft and abuse of their powers.
They urged these local leaders to prioritize integrity and adherence to national laws, cultural ethics and institutional guidelines.
Robert Ekwaro, the LC3 Chairperson of Loro Town Council, emphasized the risks posed by livestock thieves who exploit LC1 chairpersons to issue unauthorized movement permits for stolen livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.
“LC1 chairpersons must exercise caution and personally verify the livestock at its homestead, taking note of unique features before issuing movement permits. This is critical to curbing theft during this season,” Ekwaro cautioned.
Similarly, Philip Ogile, LC3 Chairperson of Abok Sub-County, Oyam District, which hosts the Bar-Rio market, called on LC1 chairpersons from Otwal, Ngai and Omoro District to restrict livestock movement permits to legitimate residents.
To address misuse of village stamps, Ogile introduced a special livestock movement document with a watermark bearing the village name. This initiative aims to enhance traceability and deter illegal transactions.
Prominent livestock businessman Julius Okello Ateso, also known as Kec Pe Tii, advised fellow traders to avoid conducting deals in unconventional locations such as roadsides and bushes.
He urged them to scrutinize transaction documents carefully to avoid complicity in livestock theft.
Francis Abura, proprietor of Odoko Mit Quality Meat Butchery in Oyam Town Council, highlighted the role of abattoirs in combating theft.
He shared that his facility photographs each animal and its seller before slaughtering and stores the images for at least six months to address disputes over stolen livestock.
Lawrence Okello Mol Ipiny, LC1 Chairperson of Aduk Village in Abok Sub-County, revealed that his area has implemented watermarked movement letters to reduce the risk of chairpersons being implicated in livestock theft.
“I urge LC3 chairpersons, sub-county chiefs, and veterinary officers to adopt these measures across the Lango sub-region to ensure safe and legitimate livestock transactions,” Okello Mol Ipiny said.
The leaders collectively stressed the need for vigilance, transparency and the adoption of robust systems to protect the livelihoods of communities dependent on livestock farming.
