LYANTONDE — Residents of Rwamiramira Village in Kinuuka Sub-county, Lyantonde District, have expressed dissatisfaction with a recent court ruling in a long-running cattle theft case, arguing that the judgment did not fully reflect the evidence presented.
The case dates back to 2024 when Ms. Jolly Murombe accused Abaho Enock, Godfrey Kanuhangire, Elias Kibanda and Joram Muhwezi of cattle theft.
Court records indicate that Ms. Murombe, accompanied by police officers from Lyantonde, allegedly recovered 13 cows from the farm of Cyprian Kabeera Gasana in Rwamiramira Village. The animals had been the subject of dispute between the complainant and the accused persons.
On Wednesday, Grade One Magistrate Ramadhan Wandera Akiiki convicted the accused and sentenced them to three years and six months in prison. The court also awarded Ms. Murombe Shs28 million in compensation and ordered that the disputed cattle be returned to her.
Ms. Murombe welcomed the ruling, saying she accepted the court’s determination on ownership of the animals.
“I am aware that Cyprian had three cows, but court ruled that I should take 12 cows and Cyprian one cow, so I have nothing else to do. I am satisfied with the court’s decision,” she said.
However, the judgment has been met with criticism from some residents and relatives of the convicted persons, who argue that the court did not adequately consider all evidence presented during the trial.
Cyprian Kabeera Gasana, who claims ownership of part of the herd, said he intends to appeal.
“I had enough evidence to prove ownership of my cows, but the magistrate did not listen to me as I expected. I am ready to appeal because I believe I still have a right to claim my remaining cows,” he said.
He further alleged that the proceedings were rushed and that his side was not fully heard.
“The magistrate did not give enough time to the evidence and decided the case in a way that left us wondering why our side was not fully heard,” he added.
Several residents of Rwamiramira Village also questioned the ruling, insisting that some of the animals belonged to Kabeera.
Alex Kiiza, commonly known as Kanini, together with Akandwanaho John Mujungu and Thomas Mushonshoreko, said they were surprised by the court’s findings.
“We know some of these cows because we were involved when they were given to Cyprian. That is why many of us were shocked by the court’s decision,” one resident said.
Kiconco Midius, an elderly resident of Kinuuka Sub-county and mother of one of the convicted men, appealed for government intervention, saying the ruling had left families distressed.
“I am an old woman and I cannot support myself. My son has been helping me and taking care of his children. I feel the judgment was unfair and I pray that justice is done,” she said.
Lyantonde Resident District Commissioner David Asaba Nkojo said the case had been in court for more than a year and confirmed that authorities were implementing the court’s orders.
“The case has finally come to a conclusion. The court ordered that the cattle be released from Mr. Augustine Birimana’s farm where they had been kept for over one and a half years,” he said.
He confirmed that 12 cows had already been handed over to Ms. Murombe in line with the ruling.
Nkojo advised dissatisfied parties to pursue appeals through the appropriate legal channels, noting that the Constitution provides avenues for redress in higher courts.
As debate continues in Kinuuka Sub-county, attention now turns to whether the aggrieved parties will challenge the ruling, potentially sending the dispute back to the appellate courts for further determination.