Police spokesperson SCP. Fred Enanga addressing Journalist at police headquarters.
In an effort to curb the rampant Cattle theft, Police in Rwizi Region, Kazo and Kiruhura districts have arrested and detained 44 suspects, in the intensified operations against the rampant stealing of cattle in the area.
The according to the police spokesperson Fred Enanga, operations commenced on the 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 are scheduled to appear in court today, 17.10.2023
“The arrest of the suspects continues to demonstrate our intensive fight against cattle theft, in different parts of the country. We also want to thank all volunteers of information that helped us to crack down, the criminal gangs behind cattle theft. The operations to disrupt and dismantle, more cattle theft gangs are still ongoing in the different areas.’’ Enanga said.
Some of the notorious suspects charged to court were identified as 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 that were recovered include 3 motor vehicles, all Toyota premio model under registration numbers UAK 028T, UAT 590A and UAW 608Y, two motorcycles, 17 car cases, which were disposed off and 5 other animals and fresh meat.
In a related development, the territorial police in Ssembabule district have 4 notorious suspects behind cattle thefts in the area.
The suspects 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 a butcher in Nyendo village.
In another anti-cattle theft operation, the police in Ssezibwa Region and Njeru also arrested 4 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 3 butchers of Nsava, Halali, and Ever sure. The suspects had uninspected meat without ovals, hide skins, head or legs. The stolen cows were for Sande Joseph and the chairman LCI called Sam.
The 4 suspects in police custody include; Ssewankambo Tomothy, 27, Nsamba Enock, Kimuli Max and Barasa Moris, all butchermen at Kafunta Trading centre.
While in Kyankwanzi, 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 the 14.10.2023, at around 2am. During the chase, police fired bullets and deflated the tyres of their vehicle, which forced the driver Khuzairu Lubega, and others to abandon the vehicle and escape to unknown destination. The motor vehicle was impounded and the search for the suspects is ongoing.
By George Bukenya