Hot water-linked cattle deaths in greater Bushenyi trigger Police probe

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For several months, several farmers based in the greater Bushenyi region have been greeted in the morning by cattle that have either died or greatly weakened under mysterious circumstances.

Several of the affected farmers claim that many of these cattle have died after being administered hot water at night by unscrupulous and unknown individuals.

According to the Police, this act, the farmers claim, ensures that the individuals later return to buy the weakened animals at low prices from them and sell the meat through local butcheries.

The Police account indicates that this mysterious happening, accounting for the death of at least 53 cattle, has been happening since June 2025. However, a February 16, 2026, incident might be the key to shedding light to the case and bringing the farmers' anguish to an end.

According to Greater Bushenyi Region Police spokesperson Apollo Tayebwa, the Police have opened a general enquiry file (GEF) following the death of 53 cattle between June 2025 and February 2026.

The opening of the file, according to Tayebwa, follows a February 16, 2026, incident which happened at about 11:00pm at Kyandiko Village, Kajuju Parish, Kyabugimbi sub-county, Bushenyi district.

"Lawrence Turihamwe, while patrolling his farm, found a suspect identified as Gordan Turyasingura already inside his farm, holding a jerrycan of water and moving towards his cattle,” Tayebwa said.

The complainant pursued the suspect, but during the chase, the suspect’s mobile phone fell, and Turihamwe picked it. The suspect, however, managed to escape.

“Notably, Turihamwe had previously lost six cows within four months (from November 2025 to date) and strongly suspects that the individual found on his farm is responsible for the deaths. He subsequently reported the incident to Kyabugimbi sub-county Police Station,” Tayebwa added.

Tayebwa explained that so far, investigations have established that eight farmers have lost cattle under similar mysterious circumstances since June 2025.

“The affected farmers, include Edith Kihembo; Francio Magezi (lost two cows in December 2025); Abias Kiriga (lost 15 cows between June and November 2025); Honest Abenawe (lost two cows in December 2025); Moses Mugume Kabashekye (lost 30 cows from 2024 to date); Appolo Muhwezi (lost three cows between September and November 2025); Felix Kamugisha (lost two cows in December 2025); and Lauben Natweta (lost one cow).

“In all reported cases, farmers found their animals dead in the morning,” Tayebwa noted.

He revealed that the victims are residents of Sheema district, with the majority from Kyabugimbi sub-county in Bushenyi district. The suspect is also from the same locality.

“Thorough investigations are ongoing to establish the full facts and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are identified and brought to justice,” Tayebwa stated.