By James Alomu 

Residents in Serere District are living in growing fear as organized groups of livestock thieves continue to terrorize villages, using boats to transport stolen animals across Lake Kyoga.

The criminal activity, which has intensified over the past three months, is particularly prevalent in lakeside communities in Atiira Sub-county and surrounding areas. According to local leaders, the thieves operate under the cover of darkness, using large boats to move stolen cattle and goats to distant landing sites, making it difficult for law enforcement and villagers to track them.

Elweu Moses, the Local Council I Chairperson of Ogoro Village, described the situation as “deeply troubling.”

 “They come at night, load the animals into boats, and sail away into the deeper parts of the lake where it's hard to follow them. This has become a serious threat to the livelihoods of our people,” he said.

Otaker Nayo, another Local Council I Chairperson in the affected area, confirmed that more than ten cases have been reported in the past three months.

“We recently managed to recover a few stolen cows from another landing site, but catching the culprits is proving difficult. They know the lake well and vanish before anyone can act,” he added.

The growing insecurity has prompted action from district leaders. Steven Ocola, the Local Council V Chairperson of Serere District, assured residents that the district is coordinating efforts with law enforcement agencies to curb the thefts.

“We are taking this matter seriously. These thefts are not just criminal acts—they are undermining the peace and economic stability of our people,” Ocola said.

Robert Adiama, the Resident District Commissioner of Serere, noted that the district’s unique demographic composition poses both strengths and challenges for security.

 "Serere hosts people from different regions and tribes, especially near landing sites. While this diversity is a strength, it can also lead to varying behavior and complicate community policing,” he explained.

Adiama also confirmed that security in the district has been boosted with the deployment of soldiers and heightened patrols.

“We have made progress in reducing incidents of murder, and now we are focusing on tackling theft. However, some residents are reluctant to report known suspects due to fear of retaliation,” he said.


Local leaders are urging residents to work closely with security forces and remain vigilant, especially during the night. They are also calling for the installation of watch posts and improved surveillance at major landing sites to deter criminals.

As investigations continue, residents are hoping that enhanced security measures and stronger community cooperation will bring an end to the wave of livestock theft and restore a sense of safety across Serere District.

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