Kampala, Uganda
Police have arrested four suspects and recovered more than Shs54.5 million in cash, along with several valuables, as investigations continue into the alleged theft of Shs200 million from a residence in Lugazi.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the operation was launched after officers at Yesu Amala Police Station in Nansana received intelligence during the early hours of Thursday, July 16, that two men were moving around Nansana Heights Building in Ochieng One Zone carrying a suspicious bag believed to contain a large amount of money.
Police intercepted and arrested the pair, recovering Shs35,611,500 during a search.
During questioning, the two suspects allegedly told investigators that the money had been entrusted to them by an associate identified as Ramathan Kafeero. Acting on the information, detectives tracked Kafeero to Standard Rose Site Guest House, where he was arrested.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Kafeero is suspected of stealing Shs200 million from his grandmother at her home in Lugazi. Police confirmed that a theft case had already been registered at Lugazi Police Station.
A subsequent search of Kafeero's room at the guest house led to the recovery of an additional Shs18,900,000, four newly acquired smartphones, a laptop computer, and several household items believed to have been purchased using the suspected stolen money.
Investigators say Kafeero further claimed he had given Shs100 million to a traditional healer, Ssalongo Kato Nsobya, a resident of Kavumba in Wakiso District, to perform rituals intended to "cleanse" the money.
Police later arrested Nsobya and searched his residence, where they recovered Shs120,000 and a goat allegedly bought for the ritual. However, officers said no significant amount of cash was found during the operation.
Owoyesigyire said all recovered money and exhibits have been secured as evidence and will be transferred to Lugazi Police Station to support ongoing investigations.
The four suspects remain in police custody as detectives continue inquiries to establish the whereabouts of the remaining money and determine whether other individuals were involved in the alleged theft.
