Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers Arrested as Police Recover Stolen Cows and Meat in Kiboga
Three suspected cattle rustlers have been arrested in Kiboga District following a joint intelligence-led police operation that recovered part of a herd stolen from a local farmer.
Police recovered five of the 10 cattle allegedly stolen from farmer James Bwana, a resident of Bugabo Village in Ddwaniro Sub-county, Kiboga District.
The operation, conducted jointly by police teams from Kiboga and neighbouring Kassanda District, also led to the recovery of meat from two cows that had reportedly already been slaughtered.
Cattle Stolen in Night Raid
The cattle were reportedly stolen during the night of July 16, 2026, when unknown individuals raided Bwana’s kraal and drove away 10 animals.
The farmer reported the theft at Ddwaniro Police Station, prompting detectives to record statements from the complainant and witnesses before launching investigations.
According to Wamala Regional Police spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi, investigators made a breakthrough two days later after receiving intelligence that the stolen animals had been taken to Bukuya Town Council in Kassanda District.
“Our intelligence teams followed credible leads that pointed to Bukuya in Kassanda District. Working jointly with Bukuya Police, officers mounted an operation that resulted in the recovery of some of the stolen cattle and the arrest of key suspects,” Kigozi said.
Police Raid Suspected Cattle Theft Hideout
Police officers from Ddwaniro, accompanied by the complainant, coordinated with officers at Bukuya Police Station before conducting a raid in Kamando Village.
During the operation, police recovered three live cows believed to be part of the stolen herd. Officers also found the meat of two other cows that had allegedly been slaughtered and packed in sacks.
Bwana reportedly positively identified the recovered cattle as animals stolen from his kraal.
The suspects arrested in connection with the alleged cattle theft were identified as 24-year-old Ssebiranda John, 30-year-old Ggita Andrew and 24-year-old Byamukama Amos.
The three suspects were transferred to Ddwaniro Police Station for further interrogation. Police said they are expected to appear before the Kiboga Magistrate’s Court once investigations are complete.
Police Hunt for More Suspects
SSP Kigozi said investigations are ongoing as police pursue other individuals suspected of being part of the cattle theft network.
“Investigations are continuing as we pursue other individuals believed to have participated in this cattle rustling syndicate. We remain committed to ensuring that everyone connected to the crime is brought to justice,” he said.
Police are also continuing efforts to recover the remaining five cattle that are still missing.
Police Warn Farmers About Insider Theft
Cattle theft remains a major security challenge in several livestock-keeping communities across Uganda, where animals are an important source of household income and wealth.
Police have increasingly relied on intelligence-led operations and cooperation between districts to track stolen livestock and dismantle organised cattle theft networks.
Kigozi urged farmers to carefully vet herdsmen and other workers entrusted with their animals, warning that some cattle theft cases involve insiders.
“Farmers should carefully profile the people they entrust with their livestock because, in many cases, herdsmen have been found collaborating with cattle thieves,” he said.
He also warned members of the public against participating in the illegal livestock trade.
Anyone involved in transporting, buying, slaughtering, processing, handling, selling or consuming stolen animals or their meat risks arrest and prosecution, police warned.
Police said the operation remains ongoing as detectives work to recover the remaining stolen cattle and arrest other suspects linked to the alleged cattle rustling syndicate.
