By Anthony Kushaba
Kabale, Uganda.
In a shocking turn of events, two police officers from Kabale are currently in custody for their alleged involvement in the aggravated robbery of RF 85,000 (approximately 260,000 Ugandan Shillings) from Thomas Habanabakize, a 38-year-old Rwandese national residing in Rwambu village, Rwanda.
The arrested officers have been identified as A1-No. 72486 PC Tusiime Gracious, a 25-year-old Mukiga by tribe, and A2-No. 70477 PC Ekiyankundire Zechariah, a 26-year-old Mukiga by tribe. Both officers are attached to Katuna under the jurisdiction of Kabale Police Station.
Kigezi regional police spokesperson Elly Maate says that the incident allegedly occurred on March 1, 2024, when Habanabakize crossed the border into Katuna, Uganda, for shopping. According to the victim, upon arrival at the Katuna border, he was intercepted by the two police officers who accused him of possessing counterfeit currency.
It is further alleged that the officers, armed with deadly weapons, forcibly took RF 85,000 from Habanabakize. Additionally, they reportedly diverted him from the designated border route back to Rwanda. The victim promptly reported the incident to an immigration officer named Canary, who then informed the Officer in Charge (OC), Katuna.
The OC Katuna interviewed the accused officers, who denied the allegations. Taking swift action, the officer in charge referred the case to Kabale police station for further investigation.
Maate adds that a team of detectives led by District Police Commander Bakaleke Joseph and Superintendent of Police Mukama Hakim, among others, visited the scene of the crime. Statements from relevant witnesses were obtained during the investigation.
The arrested officers are currently in police custody as inquiries continue.
