Over 200 Goats Slaughtered, 40 Cattle Stolen in Suspected Land Dispute Attack in Nakasongola
NAKASONGOLA, Uganda — Security agencies have launched investigations into a violent attack on a farm in Kalongo Sub-county, Nakasongola District, where unknown assailants allegedly slaughtered more than 200 goats, stole over 40 head of cattle, and injected several surviving animals with an unidentified substance.
The raid, which caused significant financial losses, is believed by the farm owner to be connected to a long-running land ownership dispute involving the family of the late Eriya Byemalo and businessman Kafeero Majambere.
According to Ronald Wasswa, the owner of the affected farm, the attackers stormed the property and brutally hacked more than 200 goats to death before driving away more than 40 cattle.
Wasswa said several animals that survived the attack appeared to have been injected with an unknown substance, raising concerns that they could also die.
“I have suffered enormous losses. This is not the first time we have been threatened, but this attack has gone too far,” Wasswa said.
The incident prompted an emergency visit by Nakasongola Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Festus Bandeeba, who toured the farm in Kiwambya alongside security personnel and district leaders to assess the extent of the destruction.
Bandeeba condemned the attack, describing it as a serious criminal act that threatens peace and security in the district.
“This is a criminal act that cannot be tolerated. We shall ensure that everyone behind this attack is arrested and prosecuted according to the law,” he said.
He warned that unresolved land disputes could escalate into more violent confrontations if immediate action is not taken.
By the time the security team arrived at the farm, workers had reportedly fled the area fearing additional attacks.
As part of immediate measures, the RDC directed that all activities on the disputed land be temporarily suspended until investigations are completed and the ownership dispute is addressed.
Meanwhile, Ashraf Ssenjo, one of the individuals alleged to have been linked to the incident, denied any involvement. He dismissed the accusations and claimed the goats had died naturally.
Residents have criticized what they describe as delayed police responses to recurring incidents related to land conflicts, warning that slow intervention could encourage further violence and destruction of property.
Local leaders have called on the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, Presidential Assistant on Land Matters Phiona Barungi, and other government authorities to urgently intervene and resolve the land dispute before more lives and livelihoods are affected.
The attack has renewed concerns over increasing land-related conflicts in parts of Nakasongola, where disputes over ownership and grazing rights have periodically resulted in violence, livestock theft, and destruction of property.
Police had not announced any arrests or confirmed the motive behind the attack by the time this report was published. Investigations remain ongoing as security agencies work to identify and apprehend those responsible.
