Police in the Rwenzori East Region are investigating an incident in which 17 heads of cattle were injured during an attack by a group of suspected assailants in Kinyamaseke Town Council, Kasese District.
The incident occurred at Nyamatungo Village, where cattle belonging to Georgia Kakuzanisa and Alex Musinguzi were reportedly grazing.
According to preliminary police findings, the animals had allegedly strayed into a maize garden when a group of about 30 people armed with pangas, spears and arrows descended on the area and attacked the herd.
The two herdsmen who were looking after the cattle managed to flee unharmed, leaving the animals behind. During the attack, about 17 cattle sustained injuries
Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate said the matter was reported to Nyakatonzi Police Station and investigations have since commenced.
"The territorial police in Nyakatonzi Police Station, Katwe Kabatooro Division, are investigating circumstances under which animals were injured," Maate said.
He added that officers visited and documented the scene as part of the ongoing investigations.
"The report was made at Nyakatonzi Police Station. The scene was visited and documented. Efforts to establish the motive and those involved are being made, upon completion of which, the suspects will be brought to book," he said.
The incident has raised concerns over recurring conflicts between farmers and livestock keepers, which in some cases have resulted in destruction of property and acts of mob justice.
Police have urged residents to pursue lawful means of resolving disputes and to report grievances to the relevant authorities rather than resorting to violence.
"People should desist from acts of lawlessness and should always report incidents or their concerns to the police and other relevant offices rather than taking the law into their own hands," Maate emphasized.
No arrests had been made by the time of filing this report, and investigations remain ongoing.