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The Police’s Flying Squad Unit (FSU) in collaboration with territorial Police teams in Katonga region and Gomba Central Police Station has arrested nine suspects believed to be involved in the ongoing theft of cattle from the State Farm in Kirasi, Ddogeya parish, Maddu subcounty, Gomba district.

According to reports, the thefts were discovered on March 29, 2024, when five cows were reported missing from the farm at Kajumiro Police Post, under suspicious circumstances.

Fred Enanga, the Police spokesperson, on Monday during the joint weekly briefing said an investigation launched by a task team dispatched from the Criminal Investigations Directorate headquarters in Kampala led to the arrest of Robert Nyanzi, a cattle dealer, who was allegedly purchasing stolen cows from the state farm.

Subsequent interrogations of Nyanzi led to the identification and apprehension of four other individuals involved in the cattle theft racket.

These suspects include Frank Aliho, Fred Tatulena, Godan Tumusiime, Willy Kanyerezi and Godfrey Gumisiriza.

According to Enanga, further arrests were made on April 5, with five additional suspects detained.

Among them was Wilson Bazibumbira, a veterinary officer attached to the farm, Ronald Kirimunte, Matiya Byarugaba and Ronald Gitta, the manager at the State Farm, according to Enanga.

“The investigation uncovered a conspiracy between the cattle dealers and workers at the state farm to orchestrate the theft of cows. Law enforcement authorities have pledged to continue working with local partners to apprehend all individuals involved in the cattle theft racket and dismantle their criminal operations,” Enanga said.

He added that the ongoing intelligence-led operations have been commended, with special recognition given to the Flying Squad Unit teams and territorial Police units in Gomba for their efforts in addressing the issue.