Bushenyi, Uganda: Police in the Greater Bushenyi Region have opened a General Enquiry File (GEF) to investigate the mysterious death of 53 head of cattle between June 2025 and February 2026 amid allegations of deliberate poisoning.
According to Greater Bushenyi Police Spokesperson SP Apollo Tayebwa, investigators are probing claims that unknown individuals have been administering hot water to cattle at night, allegedly weakening the animals before returning to purchase them at throwaway prices and later selling the meat through local butcheries.
Police say the breakthrough followed an incident on February 16, 2026, at around 11:00 pm in Kyandiko Village, Kajuju Parish, Kyabugimbi Sub-county, Bushenyi District.
A farmer, Mr Turihamwe Lawrence, while conducting a routine patrol on his farm, reportedly found a man identified as Turyasingura Gordan inside the cattle enclosure carrying a jerrycan of water and moving towards the animals.
Turihamwe gave chase, but the suspect escaped during the pursuit. However, his mobile phone allegedly fell to the ground and was recovered by the complainant.
Police confirmed that the matter was formally reported to Kyabugimbi Sub-county Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.
Turihamwe told police he had already lost six cows within four months, from November 2025 to date, and strongly suspects the individual found on his farm could be behind the deaths.
Authorities are now examining whether the incident is linked to the wider loss of 53 cattle across the region.
Police say inquiries are focused on establishing the motive, identifying all suspects involved and determining whether there is a coordinated racket targeting livestock farmers.
SP Tayebwa urged farmers to remain vigilant, intensify night patrols and promptly report any suspicious activity around livestock farms. “We are actively investigating the matter and shall ensure that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted,” he said.
Livestock farming is a key economic activity in Bushenyi and the wider Ankole sub-region, and the reported deaths have raised alarm among cattle keepers worried about organised sabotage and financial loss.
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