Police in Amuru District, working jointly with the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), have arrested six individuals in connection with the theft of 105 heads of cattle from a farm belonging to former East African Legislative Assembly Speaker Dan Kidega.
The theft occurred on February 12, 2026, at Ocibi “A” Village, Bana Parish, Lakang Sub-county in Amuru District.
According to police, the suspects were arrested following a coordinated security operation after authorities received information that a large number of cattle had been stolen and were being moved out of the area.
The suspects have been identified as Ezra Kuzara (33), a resident of Kamuli Village, Kibanda Sub-county, Rakai District; George Talemwa (22), a resident of Ocipi Village, Lakang Sub-county, Amuru District; Nathan Ihanga (27), a resident of Mukageta Village, Lyantonde District; Fred Kakuru (33), a resident of Mutukula Village, Kyotera District; Stephen Kairanga, a resident of New York Village, Bana Parish, Lakang Sub-county, Amuru District; and Emma Agaba (30), also a resident of New York Village, Bana Parish, Lakang Sub-county, Amuru District.
All six suspects are currently being held at Amuru Central Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations.
Preliminary findings suggest that the theft may have been an inside job.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the herdsmen employed to manage the farm allegedly orchestrated the theft of the animals,” police revealed.
Police further stated that a key suspect who coordinated the transportation of the stolen cattle using trucks remains at large.
“He has been identified as Denis, also known as ‘Sebabanda’, and efforts to trace and apprehend him are actively ongoing,” the statement added.
Security forces intercepted the stolen cattle on February 13, 2026, as the suspects attempted to move them across the River Nile.
“The stolen cattle were intercepted by security forces at Ajok Village, Bana Parish, Lakang Sub-county, Amuru District, as the suspects attempted to cross the River Nile with the animals,” police said.
So far, 84 of the 105 stolen cattle have been recovered. Police said efforts are underway to trace and recover the remaining 21 animals.
“Investigations are ongoing,” police added, as the search continues for the remaining suspect and the unrecovered livestock.
