The suspect, identified as Ronald Masembe, a 35-year-old businessman from Busula-Kalule, Katikamu Sub-County, Luwero District, was arrested alongside his accomplice, Godwin Tayebwa, a 38-year-old milk vendor from Lusaka Zone in Hoima City.
The serial cattle thief, along with his accomplice Ronald Masembe and Godwin Tayebwa, at Nakasongola Police Station, their faces concealed as they remain suspects in the investigation.
Police in Hoima and Luwero have jointly apprehended a suspected notorious cattle thief who has long been sought after in the Savannah region, which includes Luwero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola Districts. The suspect, identified as Ronald Masembe, a 35-year-old businessman from Busula-Kalule, Katikamu Sub-County, Luwero District, was arrested alongside his accomplice, Godwin Tayebwa, a 38-year-old milk vendor from Lusaka Zone in Hoima City. The duo is believed to have orchestrated cattle thefts across multiple regions, including Savannah, Albertine, Aswa, and Wamala.
Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima revealed that the police disrupted the suspects' alleged cattle theft operations, providing much-needed relief to affected communities. According to Twiineamazima, on the night of February 6, 2025, Masembe and Tayebwa raided Bujjabe village in Nakitoma Sub-County, Nakasongola District, where they stole three cows. They then transported the stolen livestock to Hoima District.
Upon receiving intelligence, the police Flying Squad Unit launched an operation that led to the arrest of Masembe and Tayebwa. However, two accomplices, identified only as Salongo and Kakande, who were driving the getaway vehicle, managed to escape. The stolen cows were recovered, and the arrested suspects were transferred to Nakasongola Police Station for further investigation.
Twiineamazima revealed that Masembe, believed to be the mastermind of these cattle thefts, confessed to stealing only two cows, while his accomplice, Tayebwa, denied any involvement. Police records indicate that Masembe has a long history of cattle theft and has been on the police watchlist for years. He has been previously linked to multiple cases, including CRB 420/2023, where he was accused of stealing cattle belonging to the late Margret Komuhangi, former Nakasongola District Woman MP.
In 2019, he was charged with stealing 25 cows under Katuugo CRB 007/2019. He was released on bail but later jumped it and was re-arrested in 2021. After securing bail again, he failed to appear in court, leading to case dismissal pending re-arrest. He is also connected to cases referenced as NAK CRB 060/2023 and NAK 361/2021. Following his latest arrest, Masembe faces fresh prosecution in court.
This development comes shortly after police in Luwero District arrested two other suspects in connection with the theft of 26 cows earlier this month. The suspects, identified as Godfrey Taremwa, 21, and Nathan Kanyesigye, 24, both residents of Kitegwa village, Lwebisanja ward, Kyankwanzi Town Council, allegedly raided Nakaseta village in Busiika Town Council, Luwero District, where they stole the livestock.
Police say the Officer in Charge of Wobulenzi Police Station received a tip-off that three individuals were moving with over 20 cows along Bamunanika Road toward Wobulenzi Town Council.Th e police quickly intercepted the suspects, though a third suspect managed to escape. The stolen 26 cows were successfully recovered. Twiineamazima praised the Flying Squad's efforts in tracking and recovering stolen cattle and emphasized that security agencies remain committed to tackling livestock theft.
Bernard Bakalu
Freelancer