18 DETAINED OVER ILLEGAL MOVEMENT OF CATTLE IN KABALE

By Ambrose Kweronda
www.mknewslink.com
In Kabale—-
The territorial police in Kabale district have arrested 18 people for allegedly transporting cattle at night without the required documentation, in violation of police guidelines.

The suspects arrested include Tumuhimbise Francis, Mwetise Francis, Tugumisirize Edson, Ekyarakole Odua, Ormwikiriza Esau, Musinguzi Innocent, Byomuhwezi John, Tugume Robert, Turyahabwe James, Katungi Moses, Ankankwasa Leo, Plan Alfa, Ngabirano Innocent, Maniraguha Patrick, Tukwantise Gordon, Ayambe Abias, Tumwabaze Alex, and Twahibwa Lauben.

According to a police statement, it is alleged that on 20th August 2024, at around 3:00 a.m., at Nyakijumba cell, Southern Division in Kabale district, the suspects were arrested following an intelligence tip-off. They were found with 38 heads of cattle, being transported without proper documentation and clearance.

The suspects were using motor vehicles with registration numbers UAU 737N (Canter), UBA 659 (Isuzu Elf), UBD 905Q (Canter), and UBB 613U (Diana), carrying 11, 5, 10, and 12 cows respectively.

Upon interception, the police interviewed the suspects and requested proper movement documents for the animals. It was discovered that some of them lacked the necessary documentation and were not complying with the instructions provided by Dr. Anyongire Angela, the District Veterinary Officer for Kabale, which prohibited movement at night.

Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, informed journalists that the police, led by OC Station ASP Akanyijuka Andrew, impounded the animals and brought them to the station. The suspects were subsequently charged with violating the procedures.

Maate added that the 38 cattle were exhibited, photographed, and handed over to the District Veterinary Officer, who has placed them at Kamuganguzi Government Farm.
Among the cattle, one was found to have a tag from Rwanda, and the suspects could not account for how it was obtained. Additionally, the vehicles were operating outside the stipulated time of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The matter is still under investigation, and the suspects will be arraigned before the courts of law to face the charges accordingly.