Mukono, Uganda: Police in Nagalama Division have launched investigations into a suspected cattle theft case after recovering three cows concealed inside a vehicle and arresting one suspect along the Kampala–Kayunga Highway in Mukono District.
The dramatic recovery occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning during a routine police patrol operation.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, officers intercepted a white Toyota LiteAce registration number UAX 417Y at around 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
The vehicle had been fully covered with an orange tarpaulin and attracted suspicion from officers conducting a motorcycle patrol along the highway.
Police signaled the driver to stop, but the vehicle reportedly sped off, prompting a pursuit. “The vehicle failed to stop when signaled by officers, prompting a pursuit,” ASP Owoyesigyire said in a statement.
The chase ended at Kalagi Trading Centre, where the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers made a startling discovery. Three cows had been hidden inside the vehicle under the tarpaulin, raising immediate suspicions of cattle theft.
One Suspect Arrested
Police managed to arrest one suspect, identified as Byansi Livingston, also known as Lubega Yusuf. The suspect is currently being held in police custody as detectives work to establish the origin of the animals and identify his accomplices.
“One suspect, identified as Byansi Livingston alias Lubega Yusuf, was arrested and is currently in police custody to assist with investigations,” Owoyesigyire said.
Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for the three other suspects who escaped during the operation.
Investigators are also working to determine whether the recovered cattle are linked to recently reported livestock thefts within Mukono, Kayunga and neighbouring districts.
Owners Yet to Be Identified
Police say both the recovered vehicle and the three cows have been taken to Nagalama Police Division for safe custody pending verification.
Authorities are now appealing to members of the public who may have recently lost cattle or have information regarding the recovered animals to come forward. “We urge anyone who may have recently lost cattle or has information regarding the recovered animals to report to Nagalama Police Division,” Owoyesigyire said.
The appeal comes as livestock theft continues to pose a challenge in several rural districts, where farmers depend heavily on cattle as a source of income and household wealth.
The recovered cattle, according to authorities, will remain under police custody until their rightful owners are identified and ownership is verified through established procedures.
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