Police and security agencies in Wakiso District conducted an operation resulting in the recovery of a stolen gun and the arrest of eight individuals, including a UPDF soldier, on charges of illegal possession of government property. The gun had been stolen from a police officer attached to Namusera Police Post the previous week.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango reported that a joint security team searched six traditional shrines in Namusera Parish to retrieve the stolen gun. Alongside the gun, various items were recovered during the operation, including six pairs of UPDF uniforms, jackets, shoes, a belt, bag, and cap.
The recovered materials also included army-branded items such as a beret, water tin, a black bag containing one cartridge, an army tent, a baton, and a court martial guidebook. Additionally, gun oil, motor vehicle number plates, counterfeit dollars, and retirement documents belonging to Brig Ramathan Kyamulesire, a senior officer, were found in the shrines.
All recovered items were documented in the presence of UPDF and police officers who conducted the operation. A case of possession of government stores was registered at Wakiso Police Station for further investigation.
Major Charles Kaboona, the UPDF First Division spokesperson, stated that the suspects are undergoing screening, and they may face court martial charges for illegal possession of government property once investigations are complete.
In 2019, President Museveni directed the UPDF to collaborate with the police to curb criminal activities within Kampala Metropolitan areas. Operation Tokoora was formed to address criminal infiltrations, particularly targeting the business community. The operation, headquartered in Kawempe Division under the UPDF First Division’s supervision, aims to protect industrial hubs and the entire business community in Kampala city.
Section 164 of the UPDF Act prohibits the unauthorized sale or wearing of military uniforms, with a penalty of seven years imprisonment upon conviction by court, except for individuals with proper authority from the Force.
