Arua, Uganda: Police in Ayivu West Division have arrested three suspects linked to a cross-border cattle theft from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), alongside offences of unlawful wounding and possession of marijuana.
The arrests stem from a night raid on April 23, 2026, at around 2:00 AM in Rowu village, Mangasaba area in the DRC, where 13 heads of cattle were stolen.
According to West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia, the cattle owner, Titia Martin, discovered the theft and, together with other victims, tracked the animals’ footprints across the Uganda-DRC border to Ojovu Cell, Yivu Ward in Ayivu West Division, Arua City.
The trail led to the residence of prime suspect Malis Stephen, also known as Kpemgbele. Upon reaching the suspect’s home, the victims were allegedly attacked by the suspect and his associates, forcing them to flee in different directions, with some sustaining injuries.
One of the complainants, Azandu John, a 40-year-old Congolese peasant farmer, later reported the matter to police.
Police swiftly visited the scene and conducted a search at the suspect’s residence, leading to the recovery of 11 heads of suspected stolen cattle hidden in a grass-thatched house, alongside boxes of dry marijuana that were packed and sealed, suspected stolen vehicle number plates, six motorcycles of different types, a Toyota Harrier (registration UAW 012A) without passenger seats, three laptops, two iPads, three sports bikes, and other assorted household items believed to be stolen.
The case was initially registered under CRB 69/2026 for theft of animals and unlawful wounding. Three suspects, including Malis Stephen, are currently detained at Arua City Central Police Station.
The Resident State Attorney has since sanctioned charges of being in possession of suspected stolen goods and unlawful possession of marijuana, while investigations into the unlawful wounding remain ongoing.
In a notable development, the cattle owners opted to recover their animals and return them to the DRC instead of pursuing court proceedings.
Police say the prime suspect is a serial offender believed to be operating a wider criminal network involved in livestock theft and trafficking stolen goods across the West Nile region and neighbouring countries. Authorities are compiling records of his previous cases to support additional charges.
SSP Angucia commended the community for its vigilance and timely reporting, noting that such cooperation remains critical in combating organised crime. She urged the public to continue sharing information on suspected criminals to enable timely lawful action.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, livestock theft and cross-border crime remain persistent security concerns in border regions such as West Nile, where porous boundaries continue to facilitate organised criminal activity.
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