AIGP Frank Mwesigwa addressing ASTU trainees on Wednesday morning at Olilim in Katakwi.
This morning, AIGP Mwesigwa Frank, Director of Operations, officially opened the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) Induction Course for Intake 4/26 at the Police Training School, Olilim in Katakwi District.
The training has brought together officers drawn from the Karamoja Sub-region, Teso and Sipi, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and operational approaches required to effectively combat livestock theft and protect communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on livestock.
AIGP Mwesigwa observing the anthems
Addressing the officers, AIGP Mwesigwa emphasised that livestock is much more than property. For many rural families, a cow or a goat represents a savings account, school fees, bride price, milk on the table and a lifeline during difficult times.
“When a household loses its animals, it loses years of labour and, very often, it loses hope as well.”
He further noted that many beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) have invested in livestock enterprises, including dairy farming, goat rearing, piggery and poultry. Consequently, every animal stolen not only undermines a family’s livelihood but also erodes government’s investment in household income and poverty reduction.
AIGP Mwesigwa addressing trainees
AIGP Mwesigwa therefore stressed that stock theft is not a minor crime. It has far-reaching economic and social consequences, particularly for rural households that depend on livestock as a foundation for their livelihoods.
Trainees listening to AIGP Mwesigwa
The induction course is intended to strengthen the capacity of ASTU officers to prevent, investigate and respond to livestock theft through smarter, faster and better-coordinated operations, ensuring that the Police stay ahead of the criminals involved in this vice.
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