Police in Luwero recover two stolen cattle after intercepting vehicle

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Police in Luwero district on September 1, 2025, said they recovered two stolen cattle after trailing a vehicle suspected of involvement in the theft.

Savannah region police spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima said the cattle were recovered after suspects travelling in the intercepted vehicle led officers to where the animals had been hidden.

“On Monday evening, at approximately 6:00 pm, the territorial Police in Luwero successfully intercepted and impounded a motor vehicle registration number UAU 768K, white in colour, suspected of being used in cattle theft operations across Luwero and neighbouring districts. The said vehicle had previously been blacklisted for involvement in similar offences,” Twiineamazima said.

He explained that “following the impoundment, the occupants of the vehicle cooperated with officers and led the police to a location where two suspected stolen cows were recovered. The scene was thoroughly visited and documented by Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO). Relevant statements were recorded from relevant witnesses.”

Twiineamazima confirmed that two suspects were arrested in connection with the theft and remain in custody.

“The Luwero Territorial Police remain committed to combating cattle theft and other criminal activities in the district and surrounding areas,” he added.

In September 2023, police warned that criminal gangs were behind the surge in cattle thefts, noting that thieves had resorted to using salon cars, particularly Toyota Premio models.

During the same period, territorial police in Greater Bushenyi and Sheema district arrested five suspects believed to be part of a gang involved in rampant cattle thefts in Sheema between June and August. Those arrested included Allan Byampangi, alias Mukiga, a 33-year-old mechanic of Kayole cell, Katenga parish, Kabale district; Alex Mwesigwa Abasa, alias Mark Byensi, a 50-year-old driver of Kabwohe Town “B” cell, Sheema district; Abasi Ssemanda, a 50-year-old businessman of Kashenyi cell, Birere subcounty, Isingiro district; Zubair Wasswa, alias Kadede, a 40-year-old special hire driver of Katete cell, Mbarara city; and Peter Tashobya, a 39-year-old businessman of Kakorogoto cell, Sheema district.

The task team tracked down a Toyota Premio, registration number UBA 009Z, after CCTV cameras captured it transporting suspected stolen cattle from Sheema to Mbarara. The vehicle was impounded in Mbarara city and its occupants arrested. A second Toyota Premio, registration number UAR 362I, was also impounded.

In May this year, police officers in Nagalama intercepted suspected cattle thieves during an early morning operation, recovering stolen livestock and leaving two suspects dead.

According to a statement from the Kampala Metropolitan Police, officers on routine patrol in Kalagi trading centre on Gayaza Road spotted a suspicious white Toyota Prado TX at about 3:00 am. When signalled to stop, the vehicle accelerated, prompting a high-speed chase.

“Our officers noticed unusual movement from the vehicle and attempted to conduct a routine check,” said ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, deputy public relations officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police. “The suspects’ immediate flight raised our suspicions and confirmed we were dealing with criminal activity.”

The chase ended at Nakasajja trading centre, where officers intercepted the vehicle, registered as UAZ 797G. During the operation, two suspects escaped on foot while two others sustained injuries. The injured suspects were pronounced dead while being transported to hospital.

Three heads of cattle were recovered from the vehicle. Police said they were working to establish their origin and rightful owners.