The territorial police in Kabale District have arrested 18 individuals for allegedly transporting cattle at night without the required documentation, violating established police guidelines.
The arrested suspects include Tumuhimbise Francis, Mwetise Francis, Tugumisirize Edson, Ekyarakole Odua, Ormwikiriza Esau, Musinguzi Innocent, Byomuhwezi John, Tugume Robert, Turyahabwe James, Katungi Moses, Ankankwasa Leo, Plan Alfa, Ngabirano Innocent, Maniraguha Patrick, Tukwantise Gordon, Ayambe Abias, Tumwabaze Alex, and Twahibwa Lauben.
According to a police statement, on 20th August 2024, at around 3:00 a.m., the suspects were apprehended at Nyakijumba Cell, Southern Division in Kabale District, following an intelligence tip-off. They were found transporting 38 heads of cattle without proper documentation and clearance.
The suspects were using motor vehicles with registration numbers UAU 737N (Canter), UBA 659 (Isuzu Elf), UBD 905Q (Canter), and UBB 613U (Diana), carrying 11, 5, 10, and 12 cows, respectively.
Upon interception, the police questioned the suspects and requested proper movement documents for the animals. It was discovered that some of the individuals lacked the necessary paperwork and were not adhering to instructions provided by Dr. Anyongire Angela, the District Veterinary Officer for Kabale, which prohibits the movement of cattle at night.
Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, informed journalists that the police, led by OC Station ASP Akanyijuka Andrew, impounded the cattle and took them to the station. The suspects have been charged with violating the transportation procedures.
Maate added that the 38 cattle were documented, photographed, and handed over to the District Veterinary Officer, who has since placed them at Kamuganguzi Government Farm. Among the cattle, one bore a tag from Rwanda, which the suspects could not account for. Furthermore, the vehicles were operating outside the legally allowed transportation window of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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The matter remains under investigation, and the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court to face the charges accordingly.
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