Police in Mubende District have arrested three suspects accused of maliciously injuring a bull belonging to army officer Brig. Joshua Ainebyona after a police sniffer dog led investigators directly to their home.
The incident occurred between the night of July 1 and the morning of July 2, 2026, at Lukaya LC I in Bugonzi Parish, Kitenga Sub-county. The injured animal belongs to Brig. Ainebyona, a resident of Mubende District.
According to the Wamala Region Police Spokesperson, SSP Lameck Kigozi, a farm worker discovered the bull with deep cuts on its head during routine morning duties and immediately informed the owner, who reported the matter to Kyenda Police Station.
Police officers secured the crime scene before deploying the sniffer dog, Gaza, to assist in investigations.
“The scene was properly preserved before the police dog was introduced. This allowed investigators to obtain reliable evidence from the scene,” SSP Kigozi said.
The canine picked up a scent from the scene and tracked it for about 100 metres into a nearby maize garden, where officers recovered a blood-stained panga believed to have been used in the attack.
After returning to the original scene, the dog resumed tracking for nearly 600 metres before leading officers to the home of one of the suspects, Tumusiime Steven. Investigators observed blood stains on the compound gate, strengthening their suspicion.
“The police dog continued into the suspect’s compound before moving behind the house, where it found a maize plantation showing signs of destruction, including blood stains and hoof prints believed to have been left by the injured bull,” Kigozi explained.
Following the investigation, police arrested Amos Tumwine , Caleb Aijuka , and Joshau Abaho. According to police, the three suspects later admitted to injuring the animal during questioning.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
Police have cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands when animals stray into gardens or destroy crops.
“People whose crops or property are damaged by animals should follow legal procedures available to seek compensation instead of resorting to acts of cruelty,” Kigozi said.
He also urged the public to avoid interfering with crime scenes before investigators arrive.
“A well-preserved crime scene is the foundation of successful investigations. This case demonstrates the importance of protecting evidence and allowing investigators to do their work,” he added.
Police say inquiries are ongoing as they prepare the case for prosecution under Uganda’s laws against animal cruelty.
