In a recent intelligence operation, law enforcement in the Savana Region successfully apprehended 12 individuals suspected of cattle theft. These suspects were active in the Nakasongola and Luwero districts, following numerous complaints about the increasing incidents of cattle theft in the area.
One notable case involved James Mwesigye, a resident of Kyabaganga village in Wabinyonyi, Nakasongola District, who reported that three of his cows were stolen on the night of September 10 by unidentified individuals. It is believed that the suspects used a white Toyota Alphard, registered as UBP 060M, to transport the stolen animals.
The Uganda Police Flying Squad, in collaboration with local police, conducted an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the capture of key suspects, including Eric Senyonga and Frank Kwizera. During this operation, the vehicle used in the crime was also seized. Following thorough questioning, three of the stolen cows were recovered in Kiryandongo District. The suspects were subsequently taken to court and sentenced to three years in Nakasongola Government Prison.
In another incident, Richard Magezi from Kibonga village in Kamira sub-county, Luwero District, reported that ten of his Boran cows were stolen by his workers in conjunction with other accomplices. This case, documented under CRB 560/2024 LWR, prompted an intelligence operation that led to the arrest of several individuals, including the alleged mastermind Hussein Mukiibi, along with Emmannuel Katol, Miiro Katabarwa, Ivan Katarega, Sam Kezimbira, Kagumaho, and Muwada. Upon interrogation, they confessed to their involvement in the crime. The stolen cows were traced to Kaleirwe abattoir in Kampala, and police managed to recover 10 million shillings from the suspects as proceeds from the theft. Seven of these suspects have been referred to the high court and are currently remanded at Nakasongola Government Prison.
Additionally, another cattle theft case, recorded as CRB 685/2024 Luwero, is under investigation involving two suspects, Reagan Byarugaba and Sunday Sekidde, who allegedly stole a cow belonging to Cleopus Kigozi, a resident of Kiwunda village in Kabunyata Parish.
The flying squad, in collaboration with the local police, successfully tracked down and apprehended the suspects mentioned above, recovering the meat from a cow believed to be stolen. This was discovered while it was being transported for sale at the Butuntumula trading center on a motorcycle with the registration number UFY 619K Bajaj. The suspects have since been taken into custody at Butuntumula Government Prison.
In a related matter, authorities have initiated a general inquiry to investigate the increasing incidents of cattle theft. The Flying Squad Savannah conducted an intelligence-driven operation that resulted in the arrest of Steven Sebaale, Chripus Masereka, and James Muwamba.
However, police report that key suspects, including Abdu Kirumira, Andrew Buyinza, and Steven Segunja, remain at large. Additionally, two vehicles used by the thieves to transport the stolen cattle have been seized and are currently held at the police station to assist with the investigation. These vehicles include a Toyota Wish with the registration UBJ 575A, an Alphard with UBD 118A, and a vehicle with UAU 389U. During this operation, three cows were recovered, and efforts to address the situation are ongoing.
