RUBANDA DISTRICT, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) — Police in Rubanda District have arrested an 18-year-old man after he was allegedly found transporting three goats without proof of ownership or a livestock movement permit.
The suspect, identified as Timothy Akanyijuka, a resident of Hamuhambo Town Council in Rubanda District, was arrested at approximately 5:00am on Tuesday, October 13, during an intelligence-led police operation.
According to a press statement issued by the Kigezi Regional Police, the suspect was intercepted while transporting the three goats but failed to provide documentation establishing ownership or authorising their movement.
Police are holding the suspect at Rubanda Police Station as investigations into the matter continue. He is suspected of possessing stolen livestock, an offence police say is contrary to Section 254 of the Penal Code Act.
Following the arrest, police have appealed to residents who have recently lost goats to report to Rubanda Police Station to help identify the recovered animals and establish their rightful ownership.
The police have also cautioned members of the public against purchasing livestock without verifying the seller’s ownership documents and ensuring that the necessary movement permits have been obtained from the relevant local authorities.
The arrest forms part of intelligence-led policing efforts aimed at addressing suspected livestock theft and related offences in the Kigezi Region.
Nelson Tumushime, the police spokesperson for the Kigezi Region, said the suspect remains in police custody pending further investigation and . His guilt has not been established, and the due process of the law.
