By Karim Were
Butebo District – Tragedy has struck Kabwangasi Town Council after unknown cattle rustlers broke into the kraal of the late Mzee Kidimu* and slaughtered all five cows* overnight, escaping with the meat.
Residents say the attackers struck under cover of darkness, killed the animals inside the kraal, then butchered them on site before loading the meat and fleeing. Nothing was left for the bereaved family.
They left us with nothing” – Family cries out
The late Kidimu’s family and neighbours described the act as “heartless and terrible.” The cows were the family’s main source of livelihood and inheritance. With the owner now deceased, the livestock was meant to support his dependents.
“It’s painful. They didn’t just steal, they slaughtered everything right in the kraal and walked away with the meat,” a relative told locals.
Insecurity fears in Butebo
Kabwangasi and surrounding areas have had sporadic cases of livestock theft, but the scale and brutality of this raid has left residents shaken. Local leaders are now calling for increased night patrols and community vigilance.
What locals are asking for:
Police intervention*: Residents want police and UPDF in the district to track the suspects and recover the meat if possible.
Community watch*: LC officials are urging kraal owners to reinforce security and report suspicious movement at night.
Support for the family*: Leaders say the family of the late Kidimu needs urgent help after losing their only cattle assets.
Police appeal
Authorities in Butebo are yet to issue an official statement. Police usually ask anyone with information on the attackers, the meat buyers, or vehicles used during the raid to report to Kabwangasi Police Station or nearest LC1 office.
Cattle rustling carries heavy penalties under Ugandan law, but recovery of stolen animals/meat remains a challenge without quick community reporting.
They left only the intestines
Prayer May God comfort the family of the late Kidimu during this painful loss.
