18 arrested as Kabale police crack down on cattle smuggling

In a crackdown on illegal cattle transportation, police in Kabale arrested 18 suspects on Tuesday night, for moving 38 heads of cattle without proper documentation and clearance.

The suspects, who were arrested at around 3:00am in Nyakijumba cell, southern division, Kabale district were found transporting the cattle in four motor vehicles without the required documents.

Some of the suspects had no documents at all, while others were not complying with instructions from the district veterinary officer, Dr. Angela Anyongire, to move the animals during the day.

The police led by OC station ASP Andrew Akanyijuka, impounded the animals and brought them to the station, where they were charged with faulting procedures.

The 38 heads of cattle were exhibited, photographed and handed over to the district veterinary officer, who has housed them at Kamuganguzi government farm.

Interestingly one the animals was fond to have a tag from Rwanda, which the suspects could not account for.

The trucks were also moving at night, contrary to the stipulated time of 6:00am-6:00pm.

The suspects who include Francis Tumuhimbise, Francis Mwetise, Edson Tugumisirize, and 15 others are currently being held at Kabale district police station, pending court proceedings.

The Kigezi police spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, confirmed the arrest saying that the matter is still under inquiry and that the suspects will be arraigned before the courts of law to answer charges accordingly.

“Police in Kabale has arrested 18 suspects allegedly for faulting procedures of transporting cattle in the night and without proper documents which against the normal guidelines. It is alleged that at around 3:00am in the night, at Nyakijumba cell on intelligence , the suspects were arrested with 38 heads of cattle and they were moving using moto vehicle registration no. U657 Isuzu Elf,UBD 9O5Q canter and UBB 613UDiana each carrying 11,05,10 and 12 cows respectively,”Maate said.

“Upon their interception police tried to interview them, asking them to provide relevant documents for transporting the cattle at night and in the end, they could not give proper account. The matter is still under inquiry and that the suspects will be arraigned before the courts of law to answer charges accordingly.”

The operation is part of a boarder effort to combat illegal cattle transportation and ensure animal welfare in the region.