Budaka, Uganda: A police sniffer dog Monday delivered a stunning breakthrough in a cattle theft case in Budaka District, leading officers directly to the slaughter site of four stolen cows and identifying the prime suspect within hours of the crime being reported.
The victim, 54-year-old peasant farmer Gimbo Salimati of Nangeye 2 Cell, Nangeye Ward in Naboa Town Council, discovered the loss early Monday morning after waking up to find her four cows missing. The animals are valued at an estimated Shs3.5 million.
Salimati immediately alerted the local LC1 chairperson, who reported the matter to Naboa Police Post. A case of cattle theft was registered under SD Ref: 04/09/02/2026 and CRR: 08/2026.
Officers from the Bukedi North policing area swiftly responded, deploying a trained sniffer dog to the scene. According to police, the canine picked up the scent trail from the kraal and led officers, alongside curious residents, to a concealed location where the stolen cows had already been slaughtered.
At the site, police recovered meat portions and severed cow heads believed to belong to the stolen animals. The exhibits were photographed and documented as part of the ongoing investigation.
In a further dramatic twist, the sniffer dog continued tracking and led officers directly to the home of Bumba Juma, a resident of the same Nangeye 2 Cell, whom police have identified as the prime suspect.
Investigators believe the cattle were stolen during the night of Sunday, February 8, 2026, at an unknown time, before being hurriedly slaughtered to destroy evidence and facilitate quick sale of the meat.
ASP Kyempasa Wilfred, the Bukedi North Police spokesperson, confirmed the development, saying the suspect is being investigated as inquiries continue.
The case has drawn attention to the growing use of canine units by the Uganda Police Force in tackling livestock theft, a crime that continues to devastate rural livelihoods across Bukedi sub-region.
Police have urged residents to remain vigilant, improve night security around livestock, and report suspicious movements promptly, noting that community cooperation remains critical in combating cattle theft.
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