Bushenyi, Uganda — The Uganda Police Force has opened investigations into the suspicious death of 53 head of cattle in the Greater Bushenyi Region, following allegations of livestock poisoning or mistreatment between June 2025 and February 2026.
According to SP Tayebwa Apollo, Regional Police Public Relations & Community Liaison Officer – Greater Bushenyi, the deaths are linked to claims that unknown individuals were administering hot water to cattle at night, allegedly weakening the animals before purchasing them at low prices and later selling the meat through local butcheries.
On February 16, 2026, at about 11:00 p.m., an incident was reported in Kyandiko Village, Kajuju Parish, Kyabugimbi Sub-county.
Farmer Turihamwe Lawrence said he was patrolling his farm when he discovered a suspect identified as Turyasingura Gordan allegedly inside the cattle enclosure carrying a jerrycan of water.
The farmer chased the suspect, but the suspect escaped. During the pursuit, a mobile phone reportedly dropped from the suspect’s possession and was later recovered by the complainant, who handed it to police as part of evidence.
Lawrence told authorities that he had lost six cows within four months from November 2025 to the date of the incident. He believes the same individual may be responsible for the animal deaths.
Following the report, police opened a General Enquiry File (GEF) at Kyabugimbi Police Station to guide the investigation.
Authorities are urging livestock farmers to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and avoid confronting suspects directly.
The police have not yet confirmed the cause of death of the cattle and said investigations are ongoing to determine whether poisoning, disease, or criminal activity was involved.
