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The Police have arrested a suspect linked to the theft of electronic devices during workshops held at various hotels in Kampala

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga identified the suspect as Joan Nanteza, who is being held on charges of personation and criminal trespass after she unlawfully gained access to a conference hall at Kabira Country Club.

“Posing as a participant in a workshop organised by ACODE, Nanteza registered under the false name of Sharon Abuje, not listed among the legitimate attendees,” Enanga said.

According to Enanga, Nanteza is believed to be part of a larger group of thieves who systematically target organised workshops and conferences hosted at different hotels.

“Their modus operandi involves stealing smartphones, bags, iPads, and laptops from unsuspecting participants during break times, photo sessions, and at the conclusion of workshops,” Enanga said.

He added that during interrogations, Nanteza initially claimed to be a student of environmental studies attending evening classes at Makerere University. However, investigations revealed this to be false, raising suspicions that university students may have also been targeted by the group.

He said inquiries uncovered Nanteza's involvement in a similar incident on January 29, 2024, at Riders Hotel in Seeta, Mukono district.

“On that occasion, she attended a workshop under a different alias and stole a Samsung tablet belonging to the Health Information System Program. The stolen device was subsequently recovered from her possession,” Enanga said.