(Luweero) – Cattle theft in Uganda has reportedly expanded into an organized network, with a police investigation suggesting involvement by some of its own officers. Intelligence indicates that these thefts are part of a sophisticated racket, led in part by police officers exploiting their positions to bypass standard enforcement measures and reach buyers in major urban centers, including Kampala.
The implicated officers include Constable No.68299 Andrew Buyinza, known as Nabaasa from Wobulenzi, Luweero District, and Constable No. 68244 Cleous Masereka, affiliated with Luweero Central Police Station. Reports state that they have been using vehicles sourced from a tour company under the guise of official operations. Once acquired, these vehicles are handed over to an associate, Abdu Kirumira, who allegedly coordinates the cattle’s transportation and sale both within Uganda and beyond its borders.
Recently, these officers were detained alongside Kirumira, who resides in Kiyenje zone, Luweero Town Council, following increased concerns over cattle theft, which tends to spike during festive periods. As a preventive measure, some farmers in the cattle corridor have resorted to sleeping near their animals to prevent nighttime thefts.
This alleged syndicate, which intelligence sources suggest has operated under the guise of a parallel investigation agency, Bravery Private Investigators, reportedly posed as members of the official police Flying Squad Unit. The agency, situated in Luweero, is under investigation for possible connections to other cases of cattle theft.
In a recent police operation, several suspects were apprehended, including Stephen Kaboneka, Edrisa Sokolo, and Joel Mpiima. One detective reported that Kaboneka, recently released from Wakyaato Government Prison, had previously been arrested for goat theft. Additionally, in 2023, he was allegedly involved in stealing four cows in Mazzi Parish. During their transportation in a Canter truck, the vehicle was involved in an accident in Kasangati, prompting the suspects to abandon it. The local police later apprehended them, though officers linked to Bravery Private Investigators reportedly intervened to secure their release.
Further investigations highlight that the Savannah cattle corridor, encompassing the districts of Luwero, Nakasongola, and Nakaseke, has been particularly hard hit by these organized thefts. Between May and June this year, 112 cases of cattle theft were reported across these districts, with Nakasongola registering the most cases.
| Month | District | Cases Reported |
|---|---|---|
| May | Nakasongola | 32 |
| Luwero | 11 | |
| Nakaseke | 9 | |
| June | Nakasongola | 43 |
| Nakaseke | 9 | |
| Luwero | 8 |
According to Nakasongola District LC5 Chairperson, Sam Kigula, the district loses approximately 50 cows each month. Livestock farmers expressed frustration, reporting that thieves often bypass security roadblocks.
Investigators have identified Wobulenzi, Busiika, Bamunaanika, and Ziroobwe as prime cattle theft hubs in Luweero, with the stolen animals typically ending up in markets in Kampala. Routes used to transport these animals include Kamira-Kikyuusa road and the Gayaza route.
In an alarming revelation, police suspect that criminals sometimes dress stolen cattle in military attire or enlist uniformed personnel as escorts to bypass roadblocks. Investigations have broadened to include several suspects in Kiryandongo and other areas who were recently released on police bond. Some cattle thieves allegedly operate in collaboration with herdsmen and local veterinary officers, using fake permits and altered car registrations to facilitate transport.
According to Wamala Regional Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala, obtaining an animal movement permit requires approval from both local and veterinary authorities, and transport should only occur between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Despite these regulations, some criminals successfully bypass them, exploiting corrupt practices in the process.
The 2023 Police Crime Report revealed an increase in cattle theft cases from 7,975 in 2022 to 8,442 in 2023, marking a 5.9% rise. Besides cattle, thefts of goats, sheep, donkeys, and pigs have also been on the rise.
Elsewhere in Uganda, similar theft rings have been reported in the Teso-Karamoja region, Sebei, Bunyoro, and Rwenzori regions, each grappling with organized theft and sometimes violence. In response, increased security measures have been deployed, with regional joint meetings and additional military personnel tasked with monitoring livestock transportation and enforcing movement restrictions.
In Isingiro District, officials implemented a policy prohibiting police from granting bond to animal theft suspects, which they credit with a decline in reported theft cases. Other districts, like Kazo and Ntungamo, have also seen success with night patrols aimed at deterring cattle theft.
Military detaches stationed in Ntoroko and other high-risk areas now actively monitor livestock markets and border points with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other regions known for cross-border cattle trafficking. In Isingiro, a resolution has reduced thefts, while the issuance and verification of animal movement permits in Fort Portal have helped mitigate losses.
Officials, including Jack Magezi, Kicwamba Sub-County Chairperson, and Fort Portal RCC Emmanuel Businge, emphasized that active monitoring of livestock movements is critical in combating cattle theft. Community security forums and strict regulation enforcement are also recommended as ongoing preventive measures.
The issue remains a complex challenge across Uganda. Security agencies and local authorities have emphasized the need for vigilance, community engagement, as well as additional resources to prevent further thefts.
