Kamuli cattle thief slapped five-year jail term and sh8m fine
On Wednesday, Kamuli Chief Magistrate, Paul Owino Abdnoson, sentenced John Isabirye (45) to five years and a fine of sh8 million to compensate John Mitala’s three heads of cattle.
John Mitala, a resident of Bugeywa village in Butansi Sub-County, lost a bull and two cows, one of which was a calf.
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A cattle thief in Kamuli district, linked to numerous livestock thefts, has been sentenced to a five-year jail term and a fine of sh8m to be paid upon completion of the jail term.
On Wednesday, Kamuli Chief Magistrate, Paul Owino Abdnoson, sentenced John Isabirye (45) to five years and a fine of sh8 million to compensate John Mitala’s three heads of cattle.
Mitala, a resident of Bugeywa village in Butansi Sub-County, lost a bull and two cows, one of which was a calf.
Isabirye, a cattle trader, has since last year struggled to defend himself, before the verdict that excited the community, saying at least justice has prevailed over the notorious cattle thieves’ gang leader.
Delivering his ruling on August 5, Owino stated that the sentence was intended to serve as a precedent for the community and to compensate for the complainant's financial loss.
“I have thoroughly evaluated the circumstances surrounding the commission of this offense. Cattle theft has become increasingly prevalent within the community, significantly impacting household incomes,” the Judge said.
This issue of livestock thefts, the Judge added, also has broader implications for the national economy, as it adversely affects the standard of living and the quality of earnings for ordinary citizens, and I am optimistic that it will serve as an effective deterrent.
He said the punishment will reform the convict and warned those involved in cattle stealing that crime usually does not pay.
Owino stressed that individuals have the right to possess property, whether as a private entity or as a member of a community, adding that it is the duty of the state to safeguard the interests of the community.
"I am confident that this judgment, endorsed by my seal, will bring about a transformation in society," he stated.
Prosecution led by Charles Akol had earlier told court that the convict stole three animals belonging to Mitala on 19/2/2025, with one which was a calf and decided to slaughter it.
Before the final verdict, Isabirye pleaded that the sentence be reduced to one year, being the family breadwinner, which Owino objected to, saying that such a crime attracts a 7-15-year jail term.
"It was indeed a just ruling, considering the number of cattle we've lost to these individuals. I fervently hope that all magistrates will rise and combat this vice," Mitala said.
Law enforcement agencies in Busoga sub-region have proactively addressed the concerning increase in livestock thefts that has affected the area.
Busoga North Region Police spokesperson, Samson Lubega, lauded the verdict, saying that thefts have put farmers, including the First Deputy Premier/ East African Affairs Minister, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, under tension.
Lubega explained that cattle thefts are threatening the Government Parish Development Model (PDM) as 65 percent of the beneficiaries bought cattle to reduce poverty.
“Over 150 cows were stolen between November 2025 and March 202 and still counting,” Lubega said, urging the populace and the Police to energise vigilance.
Rose Birungi, the Resident District Commissioner, also the Chair of the district Security Committee, said they developed a comprehensive set of strategies designed to mitigate this troubling issue and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers, including convening meetings with all stakeholders.
These include: local leaders, police representatives, District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), members of the judiciary, Chief Administrative Officers, and veterinary officers.