20 Cattle Stolen During Easter Raids in Kapchorwa

A total of 20 head of cattle were stolen during the Easter period in a series of coordinated raids in Kaplelko Ward, West Division of Kapchorwa Municipality.

According to Sipi Regional Police Spokesperson Fredmark Chesang, the thefts occurred in three separate night attacks targeting different households within the same community.

Chesang said the first incident happened on April 3, 2026, when suspected rustlers stole eight cattle from Munda Cell.

A joint security team comprising the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) pursued the suspects and recovered six of the animals from Napulatuk District in the Karamoja sub-region.

“The recovered cattle are currently being held at Chepsukunya ASTU detachment pending investigations,” Chesang said.He added that on April 4, another six cattle were stolen from Kapkwogi Cell.

The animals have not yet been recovered, although security forces say operations are ongoing to track down the suspects believed to be Karamojong rustlers.

A third raid was reported on April 5 in Munda Cell, where six more cattle were stolen under similar circumstances.

Affected residents say the thefts have severely disrupted their livelihoods. Moses Chelogoin, a resident of Munda Cell, said the loss is devastating since cattle are his main source of income.

“We depend entirely on these animals for school fees and daily living. Losing them like this is very painful and frustrating,” he said.

Grace Chelangat said the repeated raids have left residents living in fear. “We no longer sleep peacefully because we fear the thieves may return. We ask the government to increase security in our area,” she said.

Festo Lobeta called for urgent intervention, saying the situation is becoming unbearable for the community. Chesang said joint security forces have intensified operations and urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities as efforts to recover the remaining animals continue.

Cattle theft during public holidays has been a recurring problem in the Sebei sub-region, with criminals often exploiting periods when residents are away from their homes.

A similar incident was recorded on New Year’s Day in Kween District, where more than 20 cattle were stolen but later recovered from the Karamoja sub-region.