Rwanda National Police (RNP), in conjunction with their Ugandan counterparts, have recovered 13 cows recently stolen from Rwanda and taken to Uganda.

Police have since Saturday been searching for the cows that had been stolen from Ryabega Sector, Nyagatare District.

IP Emmanuel Kayigi, the Eastern Region Police spokesman, told The New Times yesterday that the operation was ongoing in an effort to arrest the suspects.

"We made an intensive search that led to discovery that the cows had crossed the border,” he said.

The cattle were found in a remote farm in Kafunzo village in Uganda’s Ntungamo District.

"We recovered the cows but the suspects are still at large. The cows had been put in an isolated farm where they were being monitored from a distance. They were seemingly due to be transported to slaughter houses,” Kayigi said.

He said that RNP will work closely with the Ugandan Police to ensure the the culprits are brought to book.

Vestine Akimana, the owner of the recovered cattle said the loss of her cows had devastated her.

"Finding my farm empty was a horrible experience. I was shocked having struggled for years to have a farm of my own,” she said.

"We left all the cows in the farm and went to sleep, but in the morning the whole area was like a grave yard. I reported to the Police. I am extremely happy and owe a lot to all those who helped recover my cows,” she added.

Meanwhile, residents have called for more vigilance from the authorities following rising cases of cattle rustling in Eastern Province.

Patrick Mugisha said cattle rustling was carried out by small gangs, which sell the cattle locally to slaughter houses or traffic them to neighbouring countries.

"It is a racket involving people from neighbouring countries. They cross over the border and steal our cattle. It is a cross-border crime which calls for serious attention,” said the local farmer.

The recovery comes a week after another 59 stolen cows were recovered in Gatsibo District.

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