The authorities in Soroti district have started a manhunt for over 50 suspected livestock thieves who have been terrorizing residents in the district.
The Soroti Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Salim Komakech, said during an interview on local radio on July 31, 2024, that some of the suspected livestock thieves are local leaders, cattle traders, and former security officers who sometimes operate with guns.
Komakech revealed that security operatives are tracing the suspects using an intelligence-led mechanism.
“Around the month of May 2024, that’s when we started receiving information of theft of animals again. The higher you hear the number of suspects we have in an area, the higher the cases of theft of animals,” Komakech narrated.
He added that the matter is becoming quite serious, and as the RDC, he is going to hunt out these suspects who have left many locals feeling unsafe and vulnerable.
Komakech emphasized that he is going to work together with security and use intelligence mechanisms and human possible mechanisms. He, however, warned the public against involving themselves in criminal acts.
The ongoing thefts have raised significant concern in the Teso region, prompting a concerted effort from law enforcement to restore order and protect residents’ livestock.