By Pascal Onega
Buliisa District – Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) officials, working with police in Buliisa, have intercepted a vehicle believed to be transporting stolen cattle to Hoima District.
The vehicle, a Toyota Alphard registration number UAZ 808K, was stopped during URA’s night patrol on the Biiso–Hoima road at around 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
According to Joram Musime, the URA officer in charge of operations in Biiso, the team became suspicious after the driver refused to stop for check up between Kihungya Sub-county in Buliisa and Kapapi trading center. Officers gave chase until they managed to intercept the vehicle at Kapapi.
Musiime on intercepting the Vehicle
“After stopping the car, the driver and another occupant immediately abandoned it and fled into the darkness,” Musime explained. “We quickly informed Biiso Police, who arrived and took over the matter.”
On inspecting the vehicle, URA officers discovered two cows inside. Unfortunately, one of the animals had already died, while the other was found alive but distressed. The vehicle and the surviving cow were taken to Biiso Police Station, where they remain under custody as investigations continue.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the Albertine region police spokesperson, ASP Allan Hakiza, were unsuccessful as he could not be reached by phone at the time of publication.
Community reaction
The incident has sparked concern among residents and local leaders, who say cattle theft is threatening the livelihoods of many families in Buliisa.
Mr. John Mugisa, a resident of Kihungya, told our reporter that livestock theft is becoming rampant and called for tighter night patrols.
“These thieves are well organized and use cars that no one suspects of carrying cows. If government increases security along the Biiso–Hoima road, it will discourage them,” he said.
Ms. Grace Kabagambe, a community leader in Biiso Town Council, said the interception was a relief but urged police to follow through.
“We thank URA and police for the operation, but we also want to see the suspects arrested and prosecuted. Without tough action, this problem will continue,” she noted.
Background: A growing challenge
Cases of cattle theft have been on the rise in the Albertine region, particularly in Buliisa, Hoima, and Kikuube districts. The animals are often stolen from grazing areas or homesteads and ferried to urban markets using private vehicles to disguise the trade.
Security officials believe some of the thefts are linked to organized groups that exploit the region’s porous road network and limited night patrols. Local leaders have warned that the thefts not only deprive families of income but also fuel conflict among communities.
Authorities are now urging residents to stay alert and report suspicious movements of livestock, especially at night, as the manhunt for the suspects who fled the scene continues.
