Summary:
- It was discovered that some of the suspects lacked the required paperwork and were not adhering to instructions from Dr. Anyongire Angela, the District Veterinary Officer of Kabale, which prohibited moving cattle at night.
KABALE: Police in Kabale District have arrested 18 individuals for allegedly transporting cattle at night without the necessary documentation, in violation of local guidelines.
The suspects, identified as 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, Tumwebaze Alex, and Twahibwa Lauben, were apprehended in the early hours of Tuesday at around 3:00 AM in Nyakijumba Cell, Southern Division, Kabale District. Their arrest followed an intelligence tip-off.
According to Elly Maate, the Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson, the suspects were found transporting 38 heads of cattle using motor vehicles with registration numbers UAU 737N (Canter), UBA 659 (Isuzu Elf), UBD 905Q (Canter), and UBB 613U (Diana). These vehicles were carrying 11, 5, 10, and 12 cows, respectively. The suspects failed to provide proper documentation and clearance for the movement of the cattle.
Maate stated that upon interception, the police questioned the suspects and requested the necessary movement documents for the animals. It was discovered that some of the suspects lacked the required paperwork and were not adhering to instructions from Dr. Anyongire Angela, the District Veterinary Officer of Kabale, which prohibited moving cattle at night.
He said that police, led by OC Kabale Police Station ASP Akanyijuka Andrew, impounded the animals and brought them to the station. He noted that suspects have been charged with violating transportation procedures stating that the 38 cattle were documented, photographed, and handed over to the District Veterinary Officer, who has since housed them at the Kamuganguzi Government Farm.
Maate also revealed that one of the animals was found to have a tag from Rwanda, raising further suspicions.
“The trucks were operating outside the permitted hours of 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, in clear violation of the regulations”. Maate said.
According to him, the case remains under investigation, and the suspects will be brought before the courts of law once inquiries are complete to face charges accordingly.
CUE IN MAATE….ON THE MATTER……RR/ENG//
