Police in Kasangati and Busukuma are grappling with a growing challenge of managing livestock recovered from suspected thieves, as owners fail to come forward to claim them.

The animals, mainly cows and goats, were seized during security operations in areas including Nalusugga.

According to police, suspects fled upon seeing officers, abandoning the animals.

Ronald Bwayo, the officer in charge of Nalusugga Police, said the recovery followed a tip-off from residents.

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"We were informed about a home where cows were being slaughtered at night. When we arrived, the suspects had already escaped, but we found the animals," he said.

Bwayo added that the suspected homeowner, who is known to the community, has not returned to record a statement. He urged livestock owners to come forward and identify their animals.

"We do not have the resources to feed and maintain these animals for a long time. Owners should come and claim them as soon as possible," he emphasized.

At Busukuma Police, a similar situation persists. Officers recovered two cows and ten goats believed to have been stolen and transported in a vehicle.

Patrick Kushaba, the officer in charge of Busukuma Police, highlighted the strain this has placed on police operations.

"These animals were being transported by suspected thieves. It is becoming difficult for us to take care of them without support," he said.

Kushaba noted that the animals are suspected to have been stolen from districts such as Luwero, Nakasongola, and Nakaseke, with thieves frequently using the Gayaza-Ziroobwe road to transport stolen livestock.

Local leaders, led by Ssalongo Kitaka Mufumba, say livestock theft is becoming increasingly common and is often carried out by individuals within the communities.

"The biggest challenge is that some of the suspects are known residents. One individual has been arrested several times but is repeatedly released by the courts," he said.