Locals in Buyaga parish, Masaka district, have expressed their frustration over the increased theft of animals and electric wires in their area, fueled by the negligence of police.

The locals claim that the theft of domestic animals and electric wires is so rampant in Buyaga Parish because the police are reluctant to crack down on the culprits.

Speaking during a village meeting in Buyaga parish in Kyanamukaka sub-county, Masaka district, on November 11, 2024, the locals explained that though there is a police station in Kyanamukaka, the theft of their animals and electric had increased.

They attributed the increased theft and crime to the corrupt tendencies of the police and threatened to take the law into their hands.

’’It appears these officers are working hand in hand with these thugs because even when you report these thugs to them, nothing is done; however, you are told to go back home and wait for investigations to take place, which is always a lie because these investigations are never carried out,’’ the locals noted.

Buyaga parish councilor in Kyanamukaka sub-county, Lawrence Semanda, revealed that theft of domestic animals like cows, goats, and sheep is so rampant in the area under the watch of the police.

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Semanda also disclosed that these petty criminals had also started stealing electricity wires, leaving most villages in total darkness an advantage to carry out their crimes.

’’Mijunju and Luwerekera villages have had the most cases of animal theft; however, the owners of these animals reported to police but were not helped by the authorities, and this has angered them because Kyanamukaka police is doing nothing to help curb down this threat,’’ Semanda noted.

Semanda said that police in Kyanamukaka need to start doing their work because the locals are already frustrated and are threatening to start committing mob justice on thugs caught red-handed stealing their property.

The incident reflects a critical situation in Masaka where community tensions over animal theft have escalated into violent confrontations, raising concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing these crimes.