Arua, Uganda: Police in Arua City have arrested five suspects in connection with cattle theft, as authorities warn of rising livestock-related crime across the West Nile sub-region.
The suspects; Abujere Farid Faruk, 18; Eganya Sharif, 18; Ratibu Kasim, 47; and Ismail Yasin, 26, were arrested on April 27, 2026, in Obolokofuku Cell, Tanganyika Ward, Central Division, following a report from local residents.
According to West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia, the case stems from an incident on April 26 when a boda boda rider identified as Kalid spotted one of the suspects moving with a black cow under suspicious circumstances.
“It’s alleged that the suspect was seen moving with the cow from Nsambia area towards Awindiri Ward, prompting the rider to alert the complainant, who immediately followed and reported the matter to police,” Angucia said.
Police responded swiftly, visiting the scene, conducting forensic examinations, and recovering one black-coloured cow along with knives believed to have been used in the crime.
However, investigations revealed that another suspected stolen bull had already been slaughtered and the meat distributed before police intervention.
The remaining suspects were subsequently arrested as investigations expanded, with all five currently detained at Arua City Central Business Division under CRB 275/2026.
Police have recorded statements and compiled a case file, which has been forwarded to the Resident State Attorney in Arua City for legal guidance ahead of prosecution.
Authorities say the arrests come amid growing concern over increased cases of cattle theft in the West Nile region, with incidents reported both within communities and along border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
According to trends highlighted in the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, livestock theft remains a persistent rural crime, often linked to organised groups targeting animals for quick resale or slaughter.
Police have urged livestock owners to strengthen security around kraals and report suspicious movement of animals or illegal slaughter activities to authorities.
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