Details emerge on abandoned cattle intercepted by URA team in Namutumba

Namutumba, Uganda:– The Police in Busoga East Region are on a serious hunt for suspects linked to an incident of suspected cattle theft after three cows were found abandoned in a vehicle intercepted by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement officers in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

According to Busoga East police spokesperson SP Micheal Kafayo, the suspects were transporting the cattle in a silver-grey, glass-tinted Toyota Wish, registration number UBD 244D. The vehicle was intercepted by URA officers, but the occupants evaded arrest after a high-speed chase that ended in Namutumba District.

“It is alleged that the vehicle was coming from Iganga heading to Nakalama, and the officers suspected it was carrying smuggled goods. When they flashed their lights as a signal to stop the car, the suspects instead proceeded and branched onto a marrum road,” SP Kafayo stated on Thursday.

The URA officials pursued the vehicle along Nakalama-Tirinyi road, where they made a long chase toward Namutumba.

After multiple unsuccessful attempts to get the suspects to stop, enforcement officers fired a warning shot in the air. However, the suspects increased speed, prompting the officers to deflate one of the vehicle’s tires.

“After realizing that the suspects were not stopping, they fired one bullet in the air, but the vehicle sped off even faster. They decided to deflate one of the tires, after which the occupants abandoned the vehicle at a home and fled on foot,” Kafayo said.

Upon searching the abandoned car, authorities discovered three cows suspected to have been stolen. The police in Namutumba were immediately notified, and the vehicle, along with the cattle, was transported to the regional police headquarters.

SP Kafayo urged members of the public who have lost cattle to visit Busoga East police with proof of ownership to reclaim their animals. “We are appealing to whoever has proof of losing his or her cows to come to police and reclaim them. These animals are starving, and we currently have nowhere to graze them,” he emphasized.

Animal theft in Busoga East continues to be a challenge, especially in Iganga District. Recently, the LC3 Chairperson Nakalama Sub County, Mr. Kawanguzi Hamidu, cooperated with police under the stewardship of then RPC ACP Norman Musinga to end the vice before his transfer.

Additionally, a number of security meetings have since been organized by the sub county leadership and police to sensitize people on how best they can keep their animals and also work with security in the process.