Police Arrest 5 Suspects in Sheema Cattle Theft Spree

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SHEEMA – Police in Greater Bushenyi have apprehended five individuals who are part of a notorious criminal syndicate, actively engaged in a spree of cattle thefts plaguing Sheema district from June to August.

The suspects have been identified as, Byampangi Allan, known as Mukiga, aged 33, employed as a mechanic in Kayole cell, Katenga parish, Kabale district, Mwesigwa Alex Abasa, also known as Byensi Mark, aged 50, working as a driver in Kabwohe Town “B” cell, Sheema district, Ssemanda Abasi, aged 50, operating as a businessman in Kashenyi cell, Birere sub-county, Isingiro district, Wasswa Zubair, alias Kadede, aged 40, serving as a special hire driver in Katete cell, Mbarara City and Tashobya Peter, aged 39, involved in business activities in Kakorogoto cell, Sheema district.

According to a police report, this criminal gang has been responsible for a surge in cattle theft incidents, frequently utilizing Salon cars, particularly the Premio Model. The police task force successfully tracked down a Premio motor vehicle with registration number UBA 009Z, which had been captured by CCTV cameras while transporting suspected stolen cattle from Sheema to Mbarara. The vehicle was seized in Mbarara City, and its occupants were apprehended. Additionally, a second motor vehicle, a Premio with registration number UAR 362I, was also impounded.

The Uganda Police spokesperson, SCP Fred Enanga, has confirmed that five suspects are now in custody, two motor vehicles have been recovered, and one stolen cow was retrieved from Wasswa Zubair, also known as Kalede.

Enanga further stated that efforts are underway to locate the other stolen cows or the proceeds from their sale. The victims of these cattle thefts include Baryakaijuka Freedom, Musinguzi Sam Mary, Owarimpa Asaph, Muhumuza Elioda, Kwikiriza Asaph, Kakooza Patrick, and Biriho Danns, all residents of Sheema district.

Enanga also revealed that this criminal gang had been selling stolen cows to dealers in Mbarara City at reduced prices. They were also involved in cattle thefts in the districts of Ibanda, Ntungamo, Kiruhura, Rwampara, and Kabale. Efforts are being made to track down and apprehend the ringleader, who is currently in hiding.