Operatives from the Police Crime Intelligence Directorate and Flying Squad have apprehended 10 individuals, including the farm manager and a veterinary officer, in connection with the theft of cows from the State House Farm in Kirasi, located in Gomba district.
The farm, situated in Degeya parish, Maddu sub-county in Gomba, is also recognized as Kisozi farm.
According to Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, the arrests came in response to the mysterious disappearance of five cows from the farm on March 29th, around 10 a.m.
“In uncovering the cattle theft scheme, we discovered that cattle dealers colluded with workers at the state farm to pilfer the cows,” Enanga disclosed.
He further revealed that during the ensuing operation, it was revealed that Robert Nyanzi, a cattle dealer, was responsible for purchasing stolen cows from the farm, and his apprehension led to the tracking down of four additional dealers, namely Frank Ariho, Fred Tatulena, Godan Tumusiime, and Godfrey Gumisiriza, a businessman.
In a significant turn of events, Enanga informed that following interrogation, operatives from the Flying Squad took into custody Ronald Gitta, a manager at the farm, Wilson Bazibumbira, a veterinary officer at the farm, as well as Matiya Byarugaba and Robert Nyanzi.
“We will continue collaborating with our local counterparts to pursue all individuals accountable for perpetrating cattle theft from the state farm and dismantle their criminal syndicate. The intelligence-led operations are ongoing, and we commend our Flying Squad teams and territorial units in Gomba for their dedication,” Enanga affirmed.
Incidents of cattle theft from President Museveni’s farm have been persisting over an extended period. For instance, in 2022, three individuals were arrested for the theft of cows from the same farm.
