The investigation into the aggravated robbery and related offenses at the residence of Hajj Mafabi Sulaiman Lumolo and his wife, Hon. Amb. Nekesa Barbara Oundo, on December 5, 2023, continues under the jurisdiction of the territorial police in KMP.
The incident, which took place around 04:47 am at their residence in Kyeitabya zone, Bukasa parish, Makindye division, Kampala district, involved a meticulously planned operation targeting the couple’s substantial cash holdings, both in dollars and Ugandan shillings which were known to the perpetrators.
PC Wango Michael, who had been serving as a home guard at the residence for over a year and a half conspired with two other police officers Sgt Idro Dominic and PC Mugoya Sharif along with Arinda Edgar also known as Watson and Niwagaba Rogers to execute the robbery. However, Niwagaba Rogers was replaced by an individual known as Palaso on the day of the operation.
To evade detection, PC Wango Michael took measures to disable the alarm system and security features including electric wires and CCTV cameras around the targeted area. The accomplices PC Mugoya Sharif, Arinda Edgar alias Watson and Palaso entered the compound at around 10 pm and waited until 4 am to carry out the robbery.
Upon entry, they subdued PC Wango Michael seized his firearms and proceeded to the servants’ quarters where they coerced the maids into allowing them access to the main house. Inside, they forcefully opened several doors until locating Hon. Amb. Nekesa, whom they threatened to harm unless she revealed the location of their money.
With her assistance, the suspects located and stole cash in Ugandan shillings, along with various valuables, totaling approximately Ugx 2.241.000.000/= (Two billion two hundred forty-one million Ugandan shillings). They fled the scene with the loot including electronic devices and firearms evading capture initially.
The stolen goods were later found partially abandoned in a nearby banana plantation where the suspects attempted to conceal their trail. Investigations are ongoing with the victims reporting significant losses including Ugx 41 million belonging to Hon. Amb. Nekesa and Ugx 2.2 billion from Hajji Mafabi Sulaiman Lumolo’s safe.
While at the barracks, PC Mugoya distributed in two bags as follows:-
i. Ugx 220 million was kept for PC Wango Michael (out of which 20m, was reserved to secure his bail) in case he is charged to court. It was handed over to his uncle Basooma Emmanuel who travelled from Budongo village in Namutumba district to Nsambya barracks.
ii. Arinda Edgar Watson was given Ugx 200m.
iii. The bodaboda rider was given Ugx 20m
iv. Sgt Idro Dominic, who did not participate was given Ugx 8.8m
v. PC Mugoya Sharif kept for himself Ugx 230m
We further established that on the 10.12.2023, a one Opio Samuel Obote, a 60 year old, casual labourer, while grazing goats of his boss, Matiya Rulangwa, at Kyeyitabya village, picked an unspecified amount of money together with an empty bag and a CT police uniform. He kept it in a container and started spending it lavishly. His boss Matiya Rulangwa, and a one Masembe also picked some of the money. The balance was handed over to Apunyo Patrick, by Opio Samuel, and they escaped and hid in Lugazi.
The 12 suspects arrested were charged as follows;
i. PC Wango Michael, Arimda Edga alias Watson, PC Mugoya Sharif, Basooma Emmanuel, Niwagaba Rogers. Opio sAmuel Obote and Matiya Rulangwa, were charged with 4 counts of aggravated robbery.
ii. Ssempanga Joseph alias Mulwma, Nyiro Moses and Apunyo Patrick. Were charged with receiving and retaining suspected stolen property and then Sgt Idro Dominic was charged for being an accessory, after the fact. All 112 suspects appeared before the Chief Magistrates court, Makindye and remanded unitl the 25th January 2024, for further mention of the case. The mission was hatched two weeks before the robbery.
iii. Efforts are now in place to locate a one Palaso and other accomplices, who are still at large, trace for asses bought with proceeds from the crime.
As evidenced by the police action, the Uganda Police continues to make rooting out corruption and misconduct at all levels, one of its top criminal priorities. The top leadership also continues to thank the majority of officers who pride themselves on high standards of integrity, discipline and professionalism to keep our citizens and country safe.
