Three suspected cattle rustlers have been arrested following a joint police operation that led to the recovery of five of the ten cattle stolen from a farmer in Kiboga District.
The intelligence-led operation, conducted by officers from Kiboga and Kassanda districts, also led to the recovery of meat from two cows that had already been slaughtered.
The theft occurred on the night of July 16, 2026, when unknown people allegedly raided the cattle kraal of James Bwana, a resident of Bugabo Village in Ddwaniro Sub-county, Kiboga District, and drove away 10 head of cattle.
The incident was reported at Ddwaniro Police Station, where detectives recorded statements from the complainant and witnesses before launching investigations.
Wamala Regional Police spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi said investigators made a breakthrough two days later after intelligence indicated that the stolen animals had been taken to Bukuya Town Council in neighbouring Kassanda District.
"Our intelligence teams followed credible leads that pointed to Bukuya in Kassanda District. Working jointly with Bukuya Police, officers mounted an operation that resulted in the recovery of some of the stolen cattle and the arrest of key suspects," Kigozi said.
Police officers from Ddwaniro, accompanied by the complainant, coordinated with their counterparts at Bukuya Police Station before raiding Kamando Village in Bukuya Town Council.
During the operation, officers recovered three live cows believed to be part of the stolen herd. They also found the meat of two cows that had already been slaughtered and packed in sacks.
Police said Bwana positively identified the recovered cattle as part of the animals stolen from his kraal.
The suspects were identified as Ssebiranda John, 24, Ggita Andrew, 30, and Byamukama Amos, 24.
They were transferred to Ddwaniro Police Station for further interrogation and are expected to be charged before the Kiboga Magistrate's Court once investigations are completed.
"Investigations are continuing as we pursue other individuals believed to have participated in this cattle rustling syndicate. We remain committed to ensuring that everyone connected to the crime is brought to justice," Kigozi said.
Cattle theft remains a persistent security challenge in several parts of Uganda, particularly in livestock-keeping communities where animals represent a major source of household income and wealth.
Police have increasingly relied on intelligence-led operations and cross-district collaboration to dismantle organised cattle theft networks and recover stolen livestock.
Kigozi urged livestock farmers to exercise greater caution when hiring herdsmen and other workers entrusted with their animals, noting that some thefts are facilitated by insiders.
"Farmers should carefully profile the people they entrust with their livestock because, in many cases, herdsmen have been found collaborating with cattle thieves," he said.
He also warned members of the public against participating in any part of the illegal livestock trade.
"Anyone found transporting, buying, slaughtering, processing, handling, selling, or consuming stolen animals or their meat risks arrest and prosecution under the law. The fight against cattle theft requires the cooperation of the entire community," Kigozi said.
Police said efforts are continuing to recover the remaining five missing cattle and arrest other suspects believed to be involved in the theft.
