Authorities in Kampala have apprehended 15 individuals suspected of involvement in the vandalism and theft of road infrastructure, including security lights, signals, and bridge metals along the Northern Bypass in Namungoona, Masanafu.
The investigation leading to these arrests was initiated following earlier reports of infrastructure damage, as stated by Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango. The intensive inquiry resulted in the arrest of Umar Kitimbwa on January 10, 2024, around 5:00 am. Kitimbwa was allegedly caught red-handed with metals he had cut from a bridge near Masanafu roundabout on Sentema Road.
After initial detention at Masanafu Police Post, Kitimbwa was later transferred to the Nateete Police Division, according to Onyango. During interrogation, Kitimbwa provided information about his accomplices – individuals known only as Moze, Kanyankore, and Daugalas – residing in a swamp near Masanafu roundabout. While Kanyankore was apprehended, Moze and Daugalas are still at large.
Kitimbwa also disclosed the locations where stolen metals and security lights solar batteries were sold, specifically mentioning Nansana Katooke and Kisenyi in Kampala town, opposite Usafi Taxi Park.
In response to this information, a coordinated operation was conducted at 11:00 pm, resulting in the seizure of more exhibits, including metals and security lights solar batteries. The operation led to the arrest of numerous suspects, including James Muwanguzi, the owner of the store where the batteries were recovered, and Abigaba Jonan, an employee at the Katooke scrap store where metals were found.
Other individuals in custody include Takeaway Obedi, Sanyuka Eric, Obama John Paul, Ainembabazi Junior, Mukasa Monday, Kalangi Bashir, Mukhumuza Wilson, Byashiza Edward, Emmanuel Sunday, Kaganda Elasto, Mugalasi Shabani, Alinaitwe Muwahamadi, Ssebunya Pade, Mpungu Rashid, and Mujuni Evalyne.
