The Territorial Police in Rwizi Region, Kazo and Kiruhura districts, have so far arrested 44 suspects, in the intensified operations against cattle theft in the region.
The operations commenced on 6.10.2023, following numerous complaints from politicians, local leaders and the community.
Out of the 44 suspects, 23 were charged to court with stealing cattle. An additional 2 suspects appeared in court yesterday, 16.10.2023, on similar charges.
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 3 motor vehicles, all premio models, were recovered, under registration numbers UAK 028T, UAT 590A and UAW 608Y, two motorcycles, 17 carcases, which were disposed off and 5 other animals.
In a separate development, the territorial police in Ssembabule district, has 4 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 from Nyendo Masaka while delivering meat to Doko in Nyendo.
In another anti-cattle theft operation, the police in Ssezibwa Region and Njeru arrested 4 butchermen 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 3 butchers of Nsava, Halali, and Ever Sure.
The suspects had uninspected meat without offals, skins, heads or legs.
The stolen cows were for Sande Joseph and the chairman LCI called Sam.
The 4 suspects include Ssewankambo Timothy, 27, Nsamba Enock, Kimuli Max and Barasa Moris, all butcher men at Kafunta Trading Centre.
In Kyankwanzi, the police gave a chase to occupants in a super custom registration number UBA 394J, after obtaining intelligence that they were planning to steal cows on 14.10.2023, 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.