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Unknown thugs have raided the farm belonging to Edward Ochom, the former Director of Criminal Investigations in the Uganda Police Force, and made off with eight heads of cattle.

The incident happened on the night of April 20, 2024, at his home in Kipangor village in Molo sub-county, Tororo district.

One suspect who happens to be a nephew of the victim has been arrested to help the Police with investigations into the matter.

Cases of cattle theft have become commonplace in the recent past in Tororo and other neighbouring districts, something that has forced the police and sister security agencies to step up their surveillance and patrols.

Bukedi South Regional Police Commander Fred Ahimbisibwe confirmed the Saturday incident saying the suspect whose details he declined to divulge for fear of jeopardising the investigation, was complying with the detectives.

Ahimbisibwe said the suspect who was part of farm management went into hiding before he was flushed out from his hideout.

He said, it’s highly believed that the crime is being orchestrated by the cattle dealers and butchers.

The police have on several occasions with the help of the veterinary doctors intercepted and burnt un-inspected meat that was smuggled into butcheries in Tororo and Malaba town from rural areas.

Residents and farmers who have fallen victim to the vice claim that their stolen animals are loaded on trucks and transported to the Teso sub-region.

Last week, another farmer in Kwapa sub-county lost his three animals stolen from his kraal.

Over the weekend angry residents in the neighbouring Manfwa district lynched two suspected cattle thieves after they were intercepted with a suspected stolen animal. Their bodies and the motorcycle in which they were travelling were burnt beyond recognition.

The police have on that note called upon the general public to be alert and vigilant enough to report any suspicious people and activities within their localities.