Police arrests 44 over cattle theft

Some of the notorious suspects charged to court include: Nuwamanya Fred, aged 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 alias Besigye, 38, Ssabawanuka Robert, 32, Ashaba Godfrey, 38, Kamukama Jordan alias councillor, 38, Mubangizi Hakim, 50, Mukiza John 25, Tukashaba Hannington alias Deyeye, 30, Katsigazi Abel, 38, Kaweesi William, alias Kashaija, 25, Muhinda John, 56, Abaho Obadiah, and Miyingo Ezra

Several exhibits, which include three motor vehicles, all premio models, were recovered under registration numbers UAK 028T, UAT 590A, and UAW 608Y, two motorcycles, 17 carcasses that were disposed of, and five other animals.

In a separate development, the territorial police in Ssembabule district have four notorious suspects behind cattle thefts in the district. They include: Kasozi Nasser, who was intercepted in a Toyota Wish, registration number UBN 959L, at Ntuusi town, with meat from a cow stolen from Natukunda Gloria’s farm at Kanuko zone.

The other accomplices who were arrested include Ssekyewa Moris and Sseruwu John. The gang leader, Mpoza Alex, was also arrested in Nyendo Masaka while delivering meat to Doko in Nyendo.

In another anti-cattle theft operation, the police in Ssezibwa Region and Njeru arrested four butcher men who were dealing in meat from suspected stolen cattle in Njeru Municipality.

The suspects were arrested after a K9 dog trailed a suspect from the scene, where the two stolen cows were slaughtered from Kikuubo-Butaayi village up to Kafunta trading centre. Suspected stolen meat was recovered from the butchers of Nsava, Halali, and Ever Sure.

It is alleged that the suspects had uninspected meat without offals, hideskins, heads, or legs. The stolen cows were for Sande Joseph, and the chairman of LCI called them Sam. The four suspects include Ssewankambo Tomothy, 27, Nsamba Enock, Kimuli Max, and Barasa Moris, all butchers at Kafunta Trading Centre.

In Kyankwanzi, the police gave chase to occupants in a super customs registration number, UBA 394J, after obtaining intelligence that they were planning to steal cows on October 14, 2023, at around 2 a.m. During the chase, the police fired bullets and deflated the tyres of their vehicle, which forced the driver, Khuzairu Lubega, and others to abandon the motor vehicle and escape. The search for the suspects continues. The motor vehicle was impounded.