A Local Council One chairman has been remanded to Nyabuhikye Prison by Ibanda magistrate’s court over suspected involvement in cattle thefts.

 Grevasio Byanyima, the LCI chairman of Mpunda village in Bwenda parish, Rukiri Sub-County in Ibanda district, and Francis Mpumweire, 18, a boda rider in Kahungye cell in Bufunda Division, Ibanda Municipality and others still at large are accused of allegedly stealing five cows worth Shs.18m from Achleo Mutatiina. Mutatiina is a resident of Mabanga cell, Nyamirima in Bufunda Division.

The two suspects appeared before Ibanda Grade One magistrate Edith Tusabe to take plea on November 23, but denied the charges and were subsequently remanded to Nyabuhikye prison. State prosecutor Tian Emmanuel had earlier requested for adjournment of the case, saying that inquiries were ongoing since other accused were still at large. 

Chairman Byanyima’s bail application was also denied by the magistrate, saying she had no jurisdiction to hear the case. She advised him to apply for bail on November 28 when the case will come up for mention before the chief magistrate’s court. Byanyima is suspected to have been issuing cattle movement clearance letters for the animals from areas not under his jurisdiction.

Police records indicate that the suspects were arrested at Kyarihimbi in Kayenje ward with three cows on November 15 by residents who alerted Ibanda Police Station and arrested them.