The territorial police in Lira City West Division are currently investigating two key suspects associated with the “Acan Pite Ilwete group” regarding the theft of a motor vehicle and a burglary. The suspects are accused of stealing a motor vehicle and other items from Odyek Gerald Moses, a 33-year-old businessman and resident of Ober Kampala, Lira City West Division, Lira City.
According to SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Region police spokesperson, the complainant borrowed a loan of UGX 3,500,000 (three million five hundred thousand shillings) from the Acan Pite Ilwete group in June 2023, where he is also a member. The loan had an interest of 10% per month, and he was supposed to repay the full amount by November 2023. Unfortunately, he only paid UGX 1,400,000 (one million four hundred thousand shillings).
This non-payment led to frustration among the group members. On December 4, 2023, at around 05:00 hours, a group led by Ongom Felix, a 37-year-old businessman, and Emor Daniel, a 26-year-old, went to the complainant’s home. They broke into the house, stole all household properties, and impounded his motorcycle with registration number UFK 881Y. The incident occurred at the group’s saving office at Lira Bus Park.
A theft case file was opened at Lira City West Division under SD REF; 27/16/12/2023. Two suspects have been arrested and are in police custody at Lira City West Division police headquarters in Ojwina to assist with investigations.
While some household properties were recovered from the group members, the motorcycle is yet to be recovered. Efforts to locate and recover the motorcycle are ongoing. Statements of the suspects were recorded, and their files are being compiled for submission to RCSA for review and advice on preferred charges related to motor vehicle theft, burglary, and theft.
SP Jimmy Patrick Okema highlighted that this is the fourth incident involving small saving groups registered in North Kyoga. In Alebtong district, a group lost 45 million Shs; in Anai, they lost 35 million, and a lady committed suicide in Kole after failing to repay a borrowed loan.
The police have appealed to the public, advising them to ensure their security when withdrawing savings from the bank for sharing. They also encourage the public to open an account for all members, allowing savings to be shared directly into members’ accounts instead of carrying large amounts of money from the bank to the village, which may lead to robbery.
