Police in Ibanda District have arrested two people after they were allegedly found transporting suspected stolen meat in a vehicle during a night operation conducted on Tuesday.
The suspects have been identified as Richard Muhindo and Abdalah Kisitu. They were intercepted while allegedly transporting the meat in a Toyota Noah, registration number UBQ 836F.
According to authorities, officers from the Scene of Crime unit conducted a search on the vehicle and recovered meat believed to have been obtained from five heads of cattle.
Ibanda Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Mbetegyereize confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects and the same vehicle had previously been intercepted in a similar incident.
“These are the same individuals and the same vehicle that were arrested last month at the border between Ibanda and Kitagwenda districts while transporting suspected stolen meat. Unfortunately, they were reportedly released by police in Kitagwenda,” he said.
Mbetegyereize urged residents to work closely with security agencies to help curb livestock theft in the district.
“We appeal to members of the public to cooperate with police by providing timely information that can help identify and arrest those involved in this criminal activity,” he added.
The incident comes at a time when residents in Ibanda have raised concerns over rising cases of cattle theft, with reports indicating that more than 50 cows have recently been stolen in the area.
Police said the suspects are currently being held at Ibanda Central Police Station as investigations continue.
