Uganda: Deny Cattle Rustlers Holy Communion, Churches Told

Kampala, Uganda — SIRONKO resident district commissioner Kamara Bayeye has asked church leaders in the Karamoja sub-region to stop cattle rustlers from receiving Holy Communion.

"How does a person who kills his neighbours and steals their animals receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ? That is blasphemy," Kamara stated.

Arguing that some church leaders knew some of the notorious cattle rustlers, Kamara said the culprits should be encouraged to repent before taking Holy Communion.

He was last week speaking during the inter-district security meeting for the UPDF, elders and local leaders from Sironko, Nakapiripirit and Kapchorwa districts at Chepsikunya Primary School in Kapchorwa.

Kamara said despite the Government efforts to rid the region of poverty through income generating initiatives like the National Agricultural Advisory Services, some warriors were stuck to rustling.

"I get disgusted when I see Karimojong children and women begging on the streets of Kampala," he lamented. "Must you steal cattle in order to get animals for dowry?"

Nakapiripirit LC5 chairman John Nagiro described rustlers as wizards.

"These are the people that the devil is using to disrupt peace. A wizard never wishes anything good for the others. We should come out against them to protect what has been achieved," Nangiro said.

The 407 Brigade commander, Lt. Col. Michael Ondoga, noted that cattle rustling and road ambushes had reduced due to the ongoing disarmament exercise.

Ondoga said over 27,000 guns had been recovered since the exercise started in 2000.

"The effects of disarmament are starting to show. Karimojong and their neighbours now know their cattle are safe in the kraals," Ondoga said.

Kapchorwa resident district commissioner Jane Frances Kuka urged the leaders to build more markets to promote trade among the Sabiny, Karimojong and Bagisu.

The 3rd Division commander, Brig. Patrick Kankiriho, rejected a proposal to allow Karimojong to graze their cattle in the neighbouring districts.