Cattle Rustling
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Cattle rustling in the East African Sub region and its impacts on peoples' livelihoods
Report by: Bukirwa Annette.
Organizers: Cry Uganda
Time:11.30 – 2.00
Presenters: Mark Obore works with Teso Karamojong women initiative for peace, 15 years working experience with the Karamoja region.
Lucy Lomaro, Civil Human rights cooperation Eastern Uganda Youth wing representative in Kotido
Margaret Ikulot, Family Life Survival in Teso from IDP camps in Katakwi.
Summary of issues:
- Cattle rustling is the forceful removal of animals by use of guns. It is no longer an issue of culture but has turned into a violation of human rights.
- Governments are not bothered and are taking it literally as culture. It is for this reason that eastern African countries are caling upon other countries to help them stop this vice.
Reasons for Advocacy.
Education
- People are on the move thus there is no settling down for kids to go to schools.
- Cattle is the only source of livelihood for some people.
- Areas where cattle have been rustled are left to depend on handouts from donors e.g. WFP.
Causes of cattle rustling
The main causes of cattle rustling are cultural, for dowry, harsh climatic conditions, influx of small arms, illiteracy.
Effects of cattle rustling.
Injuries related to abuse of small arms, loss of lives and property, displacement of people, rape and defilement, child labour, famine and disease, increased levels of illiteracy.
What has been done
- The Ugandan government is disarming and engaging with regional governments to carry out disarmament across the border.
- Home guards initiated by governments in Teso and Karamoja
- Alternative basic education to give mobile education.
- The Nairobi convention on small arms and lights weapons.
- Setting up ministries specifically for the region e.g. ministry for karamoja affairs in Uganda.
- Regional networks have been formed like the Karamoja area network to cordinate efforts of NGOs working in the region.
- Elders, religious leaders, women, local govts, are taking on campaigns against cattle rustling.
What can be done
- Stop calling cattle rustling a cultural issue and let the world to know that it has become a violation of human rights and seek assistance.
Documentalists code: 312
Time and date: 1.05pm
