The court in Kamuli District has handed a five-year jail term and ordered John Isabirye, 45, to pay Shs8m for the theft of three cows belonging to Mr John Mitala, a livestock farmer in Bugeywa Parish, Butansi Sub-County.
Chief Magistrate Paul Owino Abdnoson of Kamuli Magistrate’s Court found Isabirye guilty of the 2025 offence during the ruling issued on Wednesday.
He said the jail term was a deterrent measure to all would-be cattle thieves, while the money was meant to compensate the complainant for financial loss incurred.
“I have considered the circumstances of this offence. Cattle theft has become rampant, affecting household incomes and livelihoods. I hope this sentence will deter would-be offenders,” Mr Owino said.
“Every person has the right to own property, either individually or as a member of a community. It is the duty of the State to protect that right. I am confident that this judgment will contribute to changing attitudes in society and discourage cattle theft,” Mr Owino added.
John Mitala, the owner of the stolen cattle and a resident of Bugeywa Parish, welcomed the court’s ruling, saying it would bring relief to livestock farmers affected by cattle theft.
“It was indeed a just ruling, considering the number of cattle we have lost to thieves. I hope other magistrates will take a similar stand in the fight against this vice,” Mitala said.
The prosecution, led by Charles Akol, told the court that on February 19, 2025, the convict stole three cattle belonging to John Mitala and slaughtered one of them, which was pregnant.
Law enforcement agencies in the Busoga Sub-region have intensified efforts to curb the rising cases of livestock theft that have affected the region.
As part of the crackdown, security agencies adopted a range of measures to curb livestock theft and protect farmers’ livelihoods.