The police in Kakumiro are holding three suspected cattle thieves who are believed to have been terrorizing cattle keepers in the area. The suspects have been identified as Thosam Kishiza, Ezra Tumwijuke and Kellen Kyalisiima, all residents of Igayaza town council in Kakumiro district.
The suspects were arrested by a team of security personnel comprising of the Uganda People’s defense forces, the police and other sister security agencies following an intelligence-led operation. The operation followed a series of reported cattle theft in various parts of Kakumiro district.
David Otabongo, the Kakumiro District Police Commander has confirmed the arrests and detentions of the suspects noting that the trio has been on police’s most wanted list for long.
He says the trio after stealing cattle from farmers in Kakumiro, would liaise with their counterparts in Mubende, Mityana, Kyankwanzi, Kyenjojo and Wakiso to sell off the animals.
According to Otabong, some of the cows being stolen from the farmers were bought using the Parish Development Model funds hence greatly affecting implementation of the project. He further explains that the search for the suspects’ accomplices is ongoing adding that those arrested will be arraigned before the court to be charged accordingly once investigations are through.
Otabong has appealed to members of the public to be vigilant and also cooperate with security by availing crucial information that could lead to the arrests of more suspects.
Julius Kafero, a cattle farmer and resident of Kyarukoka Village in Kikwaya Sub-County says for fear of losing their livestock, due to rampant theft, they are being compelled to sleep out in the cold to guard their animals. Last week, thieves invaded his kraal at night hours and robbed two of his cows.
Francis Kugonza, a farmer in Kisiita sub county has appealed for enhanced surveillance, saying the increasing thefts are threatening livestock production in the area. Recently investigations from the Albertine regional police uncovered well-organised livestock theft syndicates that use forged animal movement permits to transport stolen animals to distant markets.
Police have since advised livestock keepers in the region to brand their animals, maintain proper farm records and avoid employing unknown workers without verifying their identities-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
