Police in Iganga District have arrested a 16-year-old boy accused of stealing two cows and launched a manhunt for two adult accomplices after a controlled operation foiled an alleged livestock theft scheme planned across two days.
Police in Iganga District have arrested a 16-year-old boy described as a habitual juvenile offender and launched a manhunt for two other suspects accused of stealing two heads of cattle.
According to police, intelligence was first received on December 3, 2025, at around 9:00 a.m., indicating a planned livestock theft by three individuals from Itanda Village, Mwira Parish, Nambale Sub-county. Investigators learned that the suspects were seeking a potential buyer ahead of the theft.
Acting on the tip-off, the District Crime Intelligence Officer organised a controlled operation in which an undercover officer posed as the buyer.
The transaction was scheduled for the night of December 4, between midnight and 1:00 a.m., at Itanda Swamp along the Nambale–Nawandala road.
At about 12:30 a.m., the suspects allegedly drove the stolen cows to the agreed meeting point, where police officers had already taken position.
Once the targets were confirmed, security personnel moved in, intercepting the animals and arresting the juvenile.
The two accomplices, identified as Kaboko Batuli and Zakaria Gerald alias Boy, fled the scene.
During interrogation, the arrested teen allegedly confessed that he and the two fugitives had stolen the cattle belonging to Isabirye Famba, a resident near Itanda Health Centre III.
The juvenile is currently detained at Iganga Central Police Station and faces charges of cattle theft. Police say a manhunt is underway to arrest Batuli and Zakaria.
ASP Kasadha Micheal, the Busoga East Regional Police Spokesperson, urged the public and local leaders to remain vigilant and work closely with security agencies, especially during the festive season when livestock thefts typically rise.