The police in the Albertine region have arrested a Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF army deserter on allegations of robbery.
The suspect has been identified as Private Francis Byakole who was formerly attached to the Karenga UPDF 3rd division in Kabong district.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson says the suspect was arrested during an intelligence-led operation in Igayaza trading center in Kakumiro district. His arrest followed numerous complaints from residents about thugs terrorizing the area.
Hakiza says the suspect has for the past two years been disguising as a witch doctor in Buramagi cell in Igayaza town council of Kakumiro district after he deserted from the army.
According to Hakiza, upon arrest, the suspect was found with several house-breaking implements including 2 hammers, several padlocks, army certificate among others.
Hakiza says the suspect together with others still at large have been terrorizing residents, robbing them of their valuable items and money stating that efforts are being made to apprehend his accomplices.
In February, five suspected robbers were arrested and detained at the Kakumiro Central Police Station.
The suspects were then identified as Moses Bright Rutaaba, a resident of Lwebikyoli village in Rakai district, Patrick Nuwamanya, Ssengamana alias Ssenga, Andrew Matale alias Kakati, all residents of Kakumiro district and their ring leader only identified as Lusiba, from Mubende district.
The suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation targeting criminals who have been terrorizing residents in the districts of Kakumiro, Kibaale, Kagadi, Kyankwanzi, and Mubende.
The suspects would raid homes and hold residents at gunpoint before robbing them of money and other items. The suspects would also waylay vehicles heading to various destinations in the region robbing the cars and the occupants of their valuables.
After robbing cars and other items, the suspects liaised with their counterparts in Masaka, Kampala, Jinja, and Mukono to sell the items.
Last month, three suspected robbers were arrested and detained at Kakumiro police station for terrorizing residents in the area.
The suspects were identified as; Abdallah Byamukama, Mafene Niwamanya, and William Magezi, all residents of Igayaza town council in Kakumiro district.
The suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Police, Uganda Peoples Defense Forces – UPDF and Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence targeting criminals in the area.
The operation was sanctioned following numerous attacks on area residents. They were arrested within Igayaza town council.
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