Drivers of persistent cattle rustling by Karamojongs in Ogwette Sub-County Otuke District

Abstract

The study examined the drivers of persistent cattle rustling by karamojongs in ogwette sub county otuke district. The study objecives were; to establish the socio-cultural determinants of cattle rustling; to determine the economic determinants of cattle rustling and to ascertain the responses to cattle rustling in Ogwette Sub-County, Otuke District. The study employed a cross sectional design using a mixed approach. The study recruited fifty(50) respondents into the study. Of these, fourty (40) were the primary respondents which included men and women affected by cattle rustling. Ten(10) key informants were also interviewed. The study found that there are various socio-cultural and economic factors that have led to persistent cattle rustling in Ogwette. Cattle rustling being perceived as a rite of passage, use of cattle to pay bride price, acess to fire arms, cattle as a symbol of wealth were identified as some of the factors that have led to continued cattle rustling. It was also found that there is no warning system put in place to alert communities and authorities about cattle rusling hence communities were vulnerable to the practice. The study recommends the that different actors develop social intervention program that would positively change the social norms, beliefs and practices related to cattle rustling. The study further recommends that economic empowerment program are developed to provide alternative livelihoods other than livestock.