MBARARA, UGANDA
Police in Mbarara City have arrested three suspected livestock thieves accused of stealing and slaughtering cattle and goats before allegedly transporting the meat to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for sale.
The suspects were arrested at around 10:00 p.m. in Kageeti, Sanga Town Council, where police reportedly intercepted them while they were allegedly loading meat onto trucks.
According to the preliminary police findings, the suspects are believed to have been involved in the slaughter of 39 cattle and seven goats, with the meat allegedly destined for markets in the DRC.
During the operation, police recovered two trucks, registration numbers UBR 721N and UA 144AE, which were reportedly being used to transport the meat.
Police said some of the recovered meat had already started to rot, raising concerns about both the suspected illegal slaughtering of livestock and the potential public health risks associated with transporting and selling spoiled meat.
The arrest is expected to help investigators establish the source of the animals, identify possible owners and determine whether the suspects were operating as part of a wider livestock theft and illegal meat-trafficking network.
The three suspects are expected to assist police with investigations as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged theft, slaughter and transportation of the animals.
Authorities are also likely to investigate the intended destination of the meat and the people or businesses allegedly involved in receiving or selling it across the border.
The incident highlights growing concerns over livestock theft in western Uganda and the illegal movement of animal products across borders. Police continue to urge livestock owners, traders and members of the public to report suspicious movements of animals, slaughtering activities and meat transportation to security authorities.
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