NYAGATARE/RWAMAGANA – Authorities in Rwamagana district say a lorry loaded with 20 head of cattle heading to Rusizi was impounded on Monday for lack of cattle movement permits.  The Fuso truck was intercepted at Rwamagana after mid-night.

According to a local defence personnel who was on guard during the transit,  the owners of the stock claimed to have given the documents to a group that was driving ahead of them. 

Innocent Ucyizuru, the agriculture officer in charge of Rwamagana district said the cows were being moved contrary to the rules and regulations set by the Rwanda Animal Resources Development Authority (RARDA). 

"Movement of cows from one point to another is supported by official documents. So these cows will remain with us until the papers are produced…if they don’t then we shall hand over the cows to the higher authorities,” he said. 

Geoffrey Mushaija, the district Executive Secretary, commended the police for seizing the truck. 

"Cows moving without tags normally raise suspicion, they could have been stolen. We are therefore keeping the cows,” he said.  

The movement of cows was restricted by the provincial administration through RARDA, after cases of stock theft had increased in the area.

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