Stray cattle destroy ten-acre gardens in Hoima

Over 200 straying cattle have left a total of ten acres of crop gardens in destruction, exposing more than 40 households to food insecurity in Kisita village, Buraru sub-county, in Hoima district.

According to the affected communities, the destruction occurred in the wee hours of Sunday, April 5, 2026, when a large number of cattle belonging to unclearly identified owners strayed and damaged the gardens.

They further said that the destruction came after a number of cattle were brought to one of the unnamed hills in Kisita village last Tuesday night by unknown people.

Meanwhile, the destruction which happened during the rainy night left people’s crops including maize, onions, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, beans, and cassava destroyed beyond recognition.

Margret Katusabe whose Irish potatoes, onions, and cassava garden have been destroyed condemned the continuous act of cows destroying their gardens. She cites existing gaps in leadership which do not engage different communities to coexist with one another.

Another resident said that he lost over fifty yards of bean garden to cattle in just a single night. He said that the situation makes him confused about where to get food and fees for his children.

Sarah Ayebale, another affected person, said the invasion has driven her into a bigger loss after spending a lot of money to hire land for agriculture.

She said that she lost about eighty yards of cassava, onions, and beans to the cows.

A widow whose name was not captured, also remained shocked by the alarming situation.

“I have been a single mother for over eight years. And it is out of agriculture that I can afford my livelihood, including paying tuition for my kids,” she said.

Aaron Irumba, the LC1 chairman of Kisita disclosed that several times they have faced battles with cows from Bararo communities destroying their properties.

The politician however attributed the escalating trend of animal destruction to recent land conflicts between the National Forest Authority (NFA) and war veterans in Kisita village.

According to him, the cattle owners started facing land shortage for their animal projects after NFA took over their lands.

However, speaking on destruction, Irumba called for the need for the cattle owners to compensate for the damages and collect their cows.

OC of Buraru sub-county police station Almus Wabyire, asked residents to be patient, saying that police together with the office of Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Rogers Mbabazi, have identified the cattle owners who agreed to pick their straying animals tomorrow Tuesday.

He warned the residents against taking the law into their own hands, urging them not to engage in unlawful action of cutting any animal.

Meanwhile, the residents call for the upper hand of the government to help investigate and identify those who could be in possession of those straying cattle but also compensate for damages.

Edwin Mujira who is identified as cattle keeper admitted to the destruction, urging communities for proper dispute resolution mechanisms to resolve the matter.

He urged the affected communities to remain patient as he also engaged his boss about the incident that happened.

Meanwhile, Mujira was allowed to take with him the cattle as both affected and cattle owner prepared to meet on the agreed date.