Dr. Rashid Mubiru, the Buliisa District Veterinary Officer, reported that the symptoms were observed last week by farmers who noticed signs such as fever, depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, shivering, sores and blisters on the animals' feet, and hypersalivation, among others.
Keleb Karongo, one of the affected cattle keepers, says he has lost five cows in a period of three days following the persistent attacks on his animals by the hippo. He wants Uganda Wildlife Authority-UWA to immediately intervene and drive the hippo away.
The suspects have been identified as Godwin Munanura, Nelson Muhairwe, George Kamuhanda, Aston Muhwezi, and Kellen Kembabazi all residents of Bwera Village in Kyangwali sub-county in Kikuube.
On a daily basis, several herdsmen flock to the district headquarters which seats on a 10-acre piece of land in Kasingo cell, Hoima West Division to graze animals. The area is now filled with cow dung and covered with a foul stench, yet the back side of the building is bushy.
Most of the pastoralists have been forced to sell off their cows for as low as Shillings 100,000. To date most farmers are continuing to lose their animals due to the prolonged drought.
According to Esiko, after stealing the cows, the suspects loaded the animals on a Fuso truck registration number UAS 445C destined for Kyankwanzi district. Esiko says Hoima police immediately notified their counterparts in Kyankwanzi who mounted a road block and intercepted the truck.
Albertine Region Police Spokesperson Julius Hakiza told Uganda Radio Network that Rwihakare invaded a Kraal belonging to one Mugisha, a resident of Kiryandongo and took off with 23 cows about two months. Police have been pursuing him since then.
Mohammed Ntuyo, the Jinja District Male Youth Councilor, says the youth leaders spent the entire day on Monday waiting for the animals, which were handed to them without any medical report.
In traditional slaughtering, bulls or cows are placed with the back on the ground before their throats are cut. Electricity will be used to professional stun the cows or bulls to death .
