Police dogs help curb livestock theft in Busoga

Kamuli: The deployment of police dogs across Uganda has begun to yield significant results in the fight against livestock theft, with Busoga North Regional Police reporting major strides between January and May 2025.

According to ASP Micheal Kasadha, the regional police spokesperson, Kamuli Police Station recorded 38 cases of cattle theft during the five-month period, leading to the arrest of 28 suspects, of whom 24 were formally charged and taken to court.

Kasadha attributed much of this success to the efforts of the police canine unit, which has become a critical asset in investigations.

“We have widely relied on our sniffer dog to track and detect the scent of suspects,” he said. “The dog has helped us locate stolen animals, identify suspects, recover evidence, and in some cases, make direct arrests.”

He explained that police dogs are capable of tracking the scent of stolen livestock within 24 hours of the crime, often leading investigators directly to the crime scene or suspects.

The intensified crackdown on livestock theft has also been bolstered by the deployment of Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) officers across the Busoga North region. Kasadha commended local residents for their cooperation and vigilance, urging continued collaboration with security forces.

This success story in Busoga North aligns with national trends. According to 2024 statistics, the police canine unit handled 19,899 tracking cases, a 7% increase from 2023.

These efforts resulted in the arrest of 15,579 suspects, with 5,520 arraigned in court, and the recovery of 6,920 exhibits, contributing significantly to case resolutions across the country.

Authorities reaffirm their commitment to scaling up canine deployment and ASTU operations in rural regions most affected by livestock theft.

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