HOIMA, UGANDA: Police in Hoima district are holding a retired Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier, Lt Wycliffe Kyamanywa on suspicion of stealing cattle.
Lt Kyamanywa, 38, a resident of Nankulabye village in Kitoba sub-county, was arrested along with Bosco Byabasaija, 39, and Aramanzani Mugisa, 64, both residents of Bukerenge village in Kitoba sub-county and Hamdan Ayesiga, 26, resident of Buseruka sub-county all in Hoima district after being allegedly caught red handed slaughtering stolen cows in the bush.
According to the Albertine region police spokesperson Julius Allan Hakiiza, the suspects were found in possession of a UPDF army uniform, a toy pistol, a machete, a knife, sticks and a hoe among other objects.
“We have in our custody 5 men including one retired UPF officer on allegations to cattle theft the four of them were arrested red handed slaughtering a stolen cow”. Hakiiza said.
Hakiiza explains that two Noah vehicles registration numbers UAT 289T and UAF 414S suspected to have been used to transport meat of the stolen cows were also impounded and cow hides seized during the operation.
According to Mr. Hakiiza, the UPDF uniform, toy pistol, knives, machetes, hoes and other blood and cow dung stained clothes that were found in the retired UPDF’s vehicle is an indicator that the suspects had been serial criminals involved in the act.
The police mouth piece told the press that the swoop followed complaints from cattle keepers about the rampant theft of their animals.
The police officer says the suspects will be arraigned before court on charges of aggravated robbery once investigations are completed.
The vice of livestock theft has become more rampant in the Albertine region and hence possing a major concern to leaders as well residents in the region.
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