RUKUNGIRI- A middle aged man is in Police custody at Rukungiri Police station on allegations of goat theft.
The suspect is Isaac Byaruhanga, a resident of Masya Cell, Masya Parish, Nyakagyeme Sub County in Rukungiri District.
He was arrested on Thursday, September 12th 2024, in connection with alleged theft and slaughter of goat, which he then sold as meat to his suspected usual customers in town.
Reports indicate that Byaruhanga, has been selling goat meat, sometimes rotten, to individuals living along Karegyesa Road in Rukungiri town.
Complaints about this were raised by Boda Boda riders at Universal stage, who brought the matter to the attention of Benon Mugisha, commonly known as “Aunt,” a local business operator in the area who later tipped off the Police.
It was from this tip off that on Thursday, the Boda Boda riders saw Byaruhanga smuggling meat to the buyers and they informed the police, who swung into action immediately.
Police have since arrested the suspect and taken statements from the alleged receivers, pending further investigation.
Residents of Kyatoko Ward in the Eastern Division of Rukungiri Municipality have expressed concerns about the rising levels of theft, which they say is hindering their development efforts.
During a community Policing event with the District Police Commander (DPC) of Rukungiri, Apollo Kyangungu at Kyatoko Church of Uganda in Eisherero Cell, Kyatoko Ward, Eastern Division, David Tumwesigye, the LC 3 Chairperson for the Eastern Division, lamented that rearing animals in the area has become increasingly difficult due to persistent theft.
He explained that the situation has compelled him to organize community policing initiatives to address the issue.
Residents reported that thieves frequently steal animals and slaughter them near the owners’ homes. They suspect that stolen animals are being taken to Rwenkurijo, Buyanja and Rukungiri town where they are sold by dealers in the illegal goat trade.
Kyangungu threatened to halt the goat roasting business, citing numerous complaints from residents across the district about animal theft stressing that him and his officers are currently overwhelmed with cases related to animal theft, with reports of at least two goat thieves being apprehended daily from different parts of the district.
Kyangungu urged residents to be vigilant and take measures to protect their property while assuring them of continued police efforts to combat the issue. He also condemned mob justice, emphasizing that it violates the law, and encouraged residents to work with the police when dealing with thieves.
