Three arrested over goat theft in Nakasongola

Nakasongola, Uganda: The Territorial Police in Nakasongola District are holding in custody three men accused of stealing and slaughtering goats from a private farm in Namanyonyi Wabigalo village, Wabinyonyi Sub-county.

Savannah Region Police Spokesperson ASP Sam Twiineamazima identified the three suspects as Mutyaba Fred, Sentamu Sula, and Musinguzi John, who face charges related to the theft of livestock belonging to Emmanuel Nyamudongo, a resident farmer.

The incident, according to ASP Twiineamazima, occurred on the night of April 12, 2025, when Mutyaba allegedly contacted Sentamu about the illegal operation. Sentamu, accompanied by an unidentified accomplice on a motorcycle, reportedly linked up with Musinguzi John, who led them to the target farm where they stole and slaughtered the goats.

In retaliation, police say, the enraged residents intercepted and burned the motorcycle used in the crime. Police arrived at the scene shortly after and arrested the suspects.

ASP Twiineamazima confirmed in a Saturday, April 12, statement that investigations were underway to determine whether the suspects are connected to other livestock thefts recently reported in the region.

“We are still investigating the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in the string of animal thefts that have plagued the Savannah Region,” he said.

The incident is just a ‘tip of the iceberg’ on livestock theft, a vice which remains a persistent challenge in parts of the Savannah Region.

In February 2025, police in Luweero arrested two men for stealing six cows from a kraal in Kikyusa subcounty, while in another case, a notorious cattle theft racket was busted in Nakaseke after a month-long surveillance operation.

According to the 2024 Annual Crime Report, animal theft ranked among the top five property-related crimes, with over 8,000 cases reported countrywide, an increase from 6,900 cases in 2023. The report, released two months ago, highlighted rural districts like Nakasongola, Nakaseke, Kiruhura, and Sembabule as some of the hardest-hit areas.

Police attributed the rise to organized criminal networks and the ease of transporting stolen animals to urban slaughterhouses without traceability. The report also noted a low conviction rate in livestock-related cases due to a lack of clear evidence, limited rural policing, and inadequate surveillance.