Hoima District Police have arrested eight individuals suspected of involvement in cattle theft, following multiple community complaints about livestock disappearing since the start of the year.
The suspects—Deus Mugume, Toawa Eyaluva, Eria Mulega, Anthony Komakech, Felista Muneza, Emmanuel Ochaya, Stephen Kongo, and Stephen Kalongo—are all residents of Kapapi in Hoima District.
The Albertine Region Police spokesperson, Julius Hakiza, said the arrests followed an operation launched in response to numerous reports of stolen cattle. Officers tracked the suspects to locations where the livestock had been slaughtered.
“These individuals would steal cattle, slaughter them, bury calves when present, remove horns, and sell the meat in town,” Hakiza explained.
Police recovered meat, knives, pangas, and buckets used in the theft operations, adding that further investigations are ongoing.
Hakiza urged community members to report suspected thieves instead of taking the law into their own hands. He also warned against killing livestock in response to land disputes.
“There are land conflicts in some areas, and some claim they were taking these animals because they entered their gardens. It is clear: if you have land issues, report to police. Do not take the law into your own hands; we shall arrest you,” he cautioned.
Authorities emphasized that operations to tackle cattle theft will continue until all perpetrators are apprehended.
