MBALE city, Uganda (IP)
Soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have arrested two suspects in connection with cattle theft in Mbale City, authorities said.
Mbale Northern City Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Were Yahya said the suspects were apprehended during an operation targeting a group believed to be involved in stealing livestock from local farmers.
Yahya identified the suspects as Muhammed Muwonge, a special-hire driver operating at the Kumi Road stage and owner of a Toyota Wish registration number UAM 407D, and a butcher identified as Abasa, who operates Bufumbo Blood Butchery in Busamaga, Mbale City.
The two are currently detained at Bugema Barracks.
According to Yahya, other prime suspects who were reportedly armed with a gun and sharp weapons, including pangas, managed to escape during the operation.
However, the suspects abandoned the vehicle at the scene, where authorities discovered a slaughtered cow inside.
Investigators also recovered a mobile phone from the car, which officials believe could help trace other members of the suspected cattle theft network.
Yahya urged butchers to stop purchasing stolen cattle, warning that such practices encourage livestock theft and undermine farmers benefiting from government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
He also cautioned that cattle thieves are often dangerous and could attack or even kill livestock owners if confronted.
The RCC further warned local leaders and officials suspected of facilitating the illegal trade, including some LC1 chairpersons accused of issuing transport letters for stolen cattle and certain Mbale City veterinary officers allegedly providing unauthorized meat inspection stamps to allow stolen meat to enter the market.
“We are still conducting operations, but I want to assure the public that the two suspects in custody will help us track down the others,” Yahya said.
Authorities say investigations and security operations are ongoing as they pursue the remaining suspects.
