Police in the Greater Bushenyi Region have launched an investigation into a suspected criminal scheme linked to the deaths of 53 cattle between June 2025 and February 2026, amid allegations that unidentified individuals are deliberately harming livestock for financial gain.
A General Enquiry File (GEF) was opened today, 26th February 2026, to establish the circumstances surrounding the livestock deaths, which have raised alarm among farmers in the district, where cattle remain a vital source of income.
According to police sources, the suspected scheme involves perpetrators secretly administering hot water to cattle at night, causing severe health complications and weakening the animals.
The suspects are then believed to return later to purchase the distressed livestock at low prices from unsuspecting farmers before allegedly selling the meat through local butcheries.
Speaking to journalists, SP Apollo Tayebwa, the Greater Bushenyi Regional Police public relations officer, confirmed the investigation, saying: authorities have registered a GEF to determine the circumstances surrounding the cattle deaths.
“We are looking into reports that certain individuals may be deliberately injuring cattle to profit from their sale, and anyone found responsible will face the law,” SP Tayebwa said.
The probe intensified after a 16th February, 2026 incident in Kyandiko Village, Kajuju Parish, Kyabugimbi Sub-county, when farmer Lawrence Turihamwe reportedly caught a suspect inside his kraal at around 11:00 pm.
“I found him already inside my farm moving towards the cows with a jerrycan. When I confronted him, he ran off. As I chased him, his phone fell down, which I recovered,” Turihamwe stated.
Although the suspect, identified by Turihamwe as Gordan Turyasingura, escaped, the recovered mobile phone has been handed over to police for investigation.
Turihamwe revealed that he had lost six cows over the past four months under unclear circumstances and strongly suspects the individual he encountered is responsible:
“I have lost six cows since November last year; they would suddenly fall sick and die, and I believe this is no coincidence,” he added.
SP Tayebwa confirmed that a case has been registered at Kyabugimbi Sub County Police Station and that efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the suspect; however he urged farmers to remain vigilant.
“We urge farmers to report any suspicious movements around their farms, especially at night. Anyone found in the wrong will face the full extent of the law,” he noted.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the activities are linked to an organized syndicate operating across the region, but investigations are ongoing.
The deaths have raised concern among cattle keepers in Bushenyi District, highlighting the vulnerability of livestock as a key source of household income, and police have pledged to provide updates as investigations continue.
