By KABALE, Uganda — Police in Kabale, Uganda, arrested 18 suspects Tuesday night for illegally transporting 38 cattle without proper documentation, authorities said.
The arrests occurred around 3:00 a.m. in Nyakijumba cell, Southern Division, Kabale district. Police found the cattle being moved in four vehicles, violating transportation guidelines.
ASP Elly Maate, Kigezi police spokesperson, said some suspects lacked any documentation, while others failed to comply with instructions from District Veterinary Officer Dr. Angela Anyongire to transport animals during daylight hours.
“Police in Kabale has arrested 18 suspects allegedly for faulting procedures of transporting cattle in the night and without proper documents which is against the normal guidelines,” Maate said.
The operation, led by Officer in Charge ASP Andrew Akanyijuka, resulted in the impounding of the animals and vehicles. The cattle were photographed as evidence and transferred to Kamuganguzi government farm under the district veterinary officer’s care.
Authorities noted that one animal bore a tag from Rwanda, which the suspects could not explain. The trucks were also moving at night, outside the permitted hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The suspects, including Francis Tumuhimbise, Francis Mwetise, and Edson Tugumisirize, are being held at Kabale district police station pending court proceedings.
Maate confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will face charges in court.
This crackdown is part of a broader effort to combat illegal cattle transportation and ensure animal welfare in the region, which borders Rwanda. The case highlights ongoing challenges in regulating cross-border livestock movement and enforcing transportation guidelines in Uganda.
