| dc.description.abstract | This study examined the impact of policing strategies in combating cattle rustling in the Karamoja Sub Region with specific reference to the Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) of the Uganda Police Force (UPF). The study was guided by four specific objectives: first, establish the impacts of cattle rustling on the local communities. Second, find out how the ASTU operations have slowed down or even prevented cattle rustling in the Karamoja sub-region. Third, explore the challenges that ASTU has countered in curbing cattle rustling in Karamoja. Fourth, to suggest strategies for improving ASTU operations in the Karamoja sub-region.
The study adopted a qualitative case study research design and methodology with a specific focus on ASTU operations which were meant to curb cattle rustling in the Karamoja sub-region. The results indicate that the youth are the main actors in cattle rustling because of the pressure of paying bride price in fulfilment of traditional values, culture and custom that require them to exchange hundreds of cattle at marriage. over 90% of the respondents or their neighbours indicated having lost cattle to the rustlers. The loss of cattle increased the poverty in the region and led to increased school dropouts due to loss of income by the families. Because of these impacts, ASTU was created to combat cattle rustling, provide security in the Karamoja sub-region, maintain law and order, support territorial police, support the UPDF in the disarmament exercise, and reduce ethnic tension. The results indicate that ASTU has registered some success in its operations particularly curbing cattle rustling through arrest and detention of the rustlers, recovery of lost livestock, and providing security to the community.
However, several challenges have been encountered by ASTU revenge by rivals, unfriendly and uncooperative community, commercialization of cattle rustling, proliferations in small arms and light weapons, vast areas and porous borders. The suggestions on how to improve the operations of ASTU include opening up of security roads in Karamoja and neighbouring areas to ensure quick response and deployment, investing in high-tech gadgets like drones, surveillance helicopters for monitoring and surveillance purposes, strict border security with neighbouring countries like Kenya and South Sudan who equally need to disarm and rid their people of illegal guns. There is need to provide alternative sources of livelihood other than cattle and enhancing the education level. The study concludes that ASTU operations have slowed down and reduced cattle rustling in the region and it recommends full support of the operations. | en_US |
