Security authorities in Sembabule District have banned night movement of animals to check rampant theft.
On average, at least 100 animals, mostly cows, are stolen from different kraals in Sembabule District alone every month, which is blamed on unscrupulous cattle dealers from other districts.
Caleb Tukaikiriza, the Sembabule Resident District Commissioner, said in an interview yesterday that all vehicles carrying livestock must only move between 7am and 6pm.
Tukaikiriza, who chairs the district security committee, directed police to intensify both motorized and foot patrols on suspected routes that livestock thieves normally use.
Tukaikiriza also rallied police and district veterinary departments to ensure that all animals transported are cleared by the veterinary office and that village leaders should endorse the letters where the animals originate.
David Ndawula, the Sembabule District police commander, said they have started mounting snap checks in different crime-prone locations and some people moving with livestock without documentation have been arrested.
Twaha Kasirye, the southern regional police spokesman, said the suspects have been running a highly organised cattle theft racket, which raids kraals at night.
Kasirye added that during their operation, two saloon cars, which suspects have been using to transport the stolen livestock, were also impounded.
