The Gombolola Internal Security Officer (GISO) for Bubaare Town Council in Rubanda District, Bernard Rwaburwene, is under investigation for allegedly selling a a stolen cow.
The disputed cow, owned by Clever Turyatemba, a resident of Kakabano Cell in Upper Bugongi, Kabale Municipality, reportedly went missing on December 9, 2024, and had not been seen since.
The animal was later found in Bubaare Town Council, Rubanda East County, by Kellen Bamwine, who made several radio announcements in an attempt to trace the rightful owner. Despite her efforts, no one came forward to claim the cow.
GISO Rwaburwene later approached Bamwine and without any legal authority, allegedly sold the lost cow to one Kelesensio Kashangirwe, in the presence of eyewitnesses Peter Twebaze and Roziyo Turyatunga.
However, the matter took a new twist when Turyatemba spotted the cow at Karukara Livestock Market, where Kashangirwe had taken it for sale. Kashangirwe was arrested and briefly detained on suspicion of theft before the true ownership of the animal was established.
After his release, Kashangirwe reported the incident to Bubaare Town Council Mayor, Gerald Mbabazi, who confirmed receipt of the complaint in a letter dated October 20, 2025. Mbabazi stated that when he tried to reach Rwaburwene for an explanation, his phone was switched off. Attempts to locate him at his home also proved futile.
On October 15, 2025, Francis Nzabonimpa, Chairperson of Kakabano Cell in Upper Bugongi, confirmed that the cow had been returned to its rightful owner, Turyatemba.
Through his lawyer, Advocate Abraham Twesigye of Elgon Advocates, Kashangirwe has petitioned the Rubanda District Internal Security Office to summon and charge Rwaburwene for abuse of office and illegal sale of property. The lawyer further demanded that Rwaburwene refund Shs1.4 million, the amount allegedly received from the sale, and that he be prosecuted “to serve as a deterrent to other errant officers.”
Twesigye also called for the exoneration of Bamwine, arguing that she acted in good faith by trying to trace the cow’s owner.
When contacted for a comment, Rubanda District Internal Security Officer, Sam Mwesigwa, confirmed that investigations are underway.
“We are aware of the allegations and have commenced investigations. If the officer is found culpable, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken,” said Mwesigwa.
CUE IN MWESIGWA……ON THE MATTER……ENG//
