Residents of Mubende and Fort Portal in western Uganda have been left stunned following the arrest of two men accused of operating a dog meat business that authorities believe may have supplied unsuspecting customers for an extended period.
The suspects, identified as Habimana and Twinamatsiko James, were arrested on June 13, 2026, during a police security operation in Mubende District. Officers reportedly became suspicious after noticing behavior suggesting the pair might be attempting to evade inspection.
According to reports from Ugandan media outlets, news of the arrest quickly spread across the two communities, triggering anxiety among residents who feared they may have unknowingly consumed dog meat.
One report quoted local reactions by stating that “residents were shocked because the two men had reportedly served many people in both areas.”
During the operation, police searched the motorcycle the suspects were using and discovered four slaughtered dogs. The meat had been packed in bags and was allegedly being transported for sale.
Following their arrest, both men reportedly admitted that processing and selling dog meat had become their regular source of income. Investigators say the suspects acknowledged slaughtering dogs, roasting the meat, and selling it in various locations across Mubende and Fort Portal.
The revelation has raised questions among consumers about the origin of meat sold by informal roadside vendors and whether adequate food safety controls are being enforced.
Authorities have confirmed that the two suspects remain in police custody while preparations are underway to present the case before the courts.
Beyond the criminal investigation, the incident has reignited wider discussions about food safety, consumer protection, and the regulation of meat products in East Africa.
In neighboring Rwanda, dog meat is not recognized under the country’s legal framework governing approved livestock and meat inspection. The Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority recognizes specific livestock categories for slaughter and commercial meat distribution, while dogs are not included among approved food animals.
As a result, there is no official inspection or certification system for dog meat in Rwanda. Anyone attempting to market such products could face legal consequences related to the sale of uninspected food products, consumer deception, or endangering public health.
Food safety experts consistently warn that meat from animals that have not undergone veterinary inspection can pose significant health risks, particularly when there is no record of vaccination, disease monitoring, or sanitary slaughter procedures.
While the legal process against the two Ugandan suspects continues, the case has become a powerful reminder of the importance of transparency in food supply chains and the need for consumers to know exactly what they are purchasing and eating.
