Two officers from Lusha Police Post in Bulambuli District have been detained at Mutufu Prisons in Sironko District on charges of firearm theft. The officers, Sgt Wilson Weere, who is in charge of Lusha Police, and Corporal Henry Mangusha, were presented before Bulambuli District Grade One Magistrate Annet Namankati on Tuesday. They are to remain in custody until May 9, 2024.
Sgt Were faces charges of firearm theft and neglect of duty, while Corporal Mangusha is accused of failing to secure a firearm and neglect of duty. It was rumored that Sgt Weere had used the gun as collateral for a loan of Shs700,000 from a local money lender known as Sande.
A local leader from Bulambuli District, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that they intervened and retrieved the gun from Sande. However, Elgon Police spokesperson Rogers Taitika clarified that the officers are under investigation for the theft of the gun and neglect of duty. He denied the allegations that the gun had been used as collateral.
Taitika further revealed that initial investigations suggest that Sgt Weere collaborated with unidentified individuals to steal a gun from Corporal Mangusha’s residence for reasons yet to be determined. He added that Corporal Mangusha had taken a firearm from the police post and left it at his home, where it was subsequently stolen. Sgt Weere was reportedly aware of this.
Elgon Regional Police Commander John Otim Bosco announced that the SMG Rifle, along with approximately 30 rounds of ammunition, was recovered on April 23, 2024, in Lusha Sub-county, Bulambuli District. He mentioned that they sought the public’s assistance in recovering the firearm, suspecting that it might have been taken by local residents.