The Territorial Police in Rwizi Region, covering Kazo and Kiruhura districts, have arrested a total of 44 suspects as part of their ongoing efforts to combat cattle theft in the area. This operation, which began on October 6, 2023, was initiated in response to numerous complaints from local politicians, community leaders, and residents.
Out of the 44 suspects, 23 have been charged in court for their involvement in stealing cattle. An additional two suspects are scheduled to appear in court on October 16, 2023, facing similar charges.
Some of the notable suspects who have been charged in court include Nuwamanya Fred (27), Ndyaguma Moses (45), Ssentongo Jamada (37), Bihabwayo Dan, Rwabutigiri Gerald (50), Byamukama Yorokami (44), Tugume Alex (52), Bwambale Felix (32), Kwijuka Isma (40), Kamugisha Fred, also known as Besigye (38), Ssabawanuka Robert (32), Ashaba Godfrey (38), Kamukama Jordan, alias councillor (38), Mubangizi Hakim (50), Mukiza John (25), Tukashaba Hannington, also known as Deyeye (30), Katsigazi Abel (38), Kaweesi William, alias Kashaija (25), Muhinda John (56), Abaho Obadiah, and Miyingo Ezra.
The police have also successfully recovered several exhibits, including three motor vehicles (all Premio models) with the following registration numbers: UAK 028T, UAT 590A, and UAW 608Y. Additionally, two motorcycles, 17 animal carcasses, and five other animals were retrieved and processed.
In a separate operation, the territorial police in Ssembabule district arrested four individuals involved in cattle theft. These suspects include Kasozi Nasser, who was found with stolen meat from a cow at Ntuusi town. Other accomplices apprehended in this operation are Ssekyewa Moris and Sseruwu John. The gang leader, Mpoza Alex, was arrested in Nyendo Masaka while delivering stolen meat to Doko in Nyendo.
Another anti-cattle theft operation led by the police in Ssezibwa Region and Njeru resulted in the arrest of four butchers involved in selling meat from suspected stolen cattle in Njeru Municipality. A K9 dog helped track one of the suspects from the scene where two stolen cows were slaughtered at Kikuubo – Butaayi village up to Kafunta trading center. The meat, which lacked proper inspection and components like offals, hideskins, head, or legs, was seized. The stolen cows belonged to Sande Joseph and the LCI chairman named Sam. The four suspects arrested are Ssewankambo Tomothy (27), Nsamba Enock, Kimuli Max, and Barasa Moris, all butchers at Kafunta Trading Center.
In Kyankwanzi, the police pursued the occupants of a super custom vehicle with registration number UBA 394J after receiving intelligence that they were planning to steal cows on October 14, 2023, at around 2 am. During the chase, the police fired shots and deflated the vehicle’s tires, leading the driver Khuzairu Lubega and others to abandon the vehicle and flee. The search for the suspects is ongoing, and the motor vehicle has been impounded.
The ongoing arrests of suspects reflect the commitment of law enforcement in the fight against cattle theft across various regions of the country. The police express their gratitude to all those who provided valuable information that aided in dismantling criminal gangs involved in cattle theft, and they continue their efforts to disrupt and dismantle further such gangs.