KALIRO.
Police in Eastern Uganda are holding two men for allegedly stealing four head of cattle .
The suspects were caught while attempting to transport the animals in a luxury Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, according to police .
The suspects, identified as Moses Bwambale of Kamwanyi Zone in Gayaza and Living Muhwezi of Kazinga on Gayaza Road, both in Wakiso District, were intercepted by police in Nabigere village, Namugongo Sub-county, Kaliro District, as they tried to flee with the animals early Wednesday morning.
“Our findings indicate that at around 2am, residents noticed the SUV parked suspiciously in the bush while cows were being loaded,” Michael Kaassdha, spokesperson for the Busoga North police region said on Thursday
“The locals quickly alerted police, who deployed a standby unit. Upon arrival, the suspects sped off, prompting a chase. Officers fired warning shots and the vehicle eventually overturned.” he added.
The four cows were recovered at the scene. One of the suspects, Muhwezi, sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment at Bumanya Health Centre IV, police said.
Statements have been taken from several eyewitnesses, including the cattle owners, as investigations continue.
This incident comes barely a week after two suspects were shot in Mukono District after being caught with three cows loaded in Toyota Prado TX.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police, t suspects had refused to stop at a police checkpoint around 3am along the Gayaza-Kayunga Road in Mukono District. Officers from Naggalama Police Station gave chase and intercepted the vehicle at Nakasajja Trading Centre.
“The suspects attempted to flee on foot. Two were critically injured during the operation and pronounced dead en route to hospital,” said police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire.
Three cows were recovered from the vehicle, while other suspects reportedly escaped. Police are working to identify the deceased and trace the owners of the stolen animals.
Uganda recorded 7,330 cases of cattle theft in 2024, down from 8,442 in 2023, according to the 2024 Annual Police Crime Report. The Rwizi region registered the highest number of cases, followed by North Kyoga, Rwenzori West, and East Kyoga.