Police dog helps arrest two over murder in Wandegeya
“At that exact spot, officers recovered a metal bar with visible blood stains, believed to have been used to assault the deceased. A search conducted in the askari’s house further led to the recovery of spears and arrows. The two suspects are currently detained at Wandegeya Police Division as investigations continue,” police said.
Police in a statement issued Tuesday identified the suspects only as Ssebunya and Johnson. They were arrested after a canine unit deployed to the scene tracked them down.
KAMPALA - Kampala Metropolitan Police on Tuesday (March 3) said officers attached to Wandegeya Police Division were holding two suspects in custody in connection with the murder of Kabugo, a 34-year-old resident of Kalerwe.
Police in a statement issued Tuesday identified the suspects only as Ssebunya and Johnson. They were arrested after a canine unit deployed to the scene tracked them down.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that yesterday, at around 8:00am, information was received by police about a body lying near the fence of Dusuma Garage. They immediately deployed a canine. Upon arrival at the scene, the Police K9 sniffer dog, Pepper, was introduced to the area of crime.
He picked up a scent from the body and began tracking. Pepper first tracked for approximately 10 metres before entering the house of the garage askari (security guard). He later exited the house and continued tracking into the garage area, moving around the fence before returning inside the garage,” Police said.
The statement noted that Pepper eventually led officers to a specific spot within the garage where the askari and other workers usually sit during working hours. Upon reaching the location, the dog indicated by lying down, signalling the presence of crucial evidence.
“At that exact spot, officers recovered a metal bar with visible blood stains, believed to have been used to assault the deceased. A search conducted in the askari’s house further led to the recovery of spears and arrows. The two suspects are currently detained at Wandegeya Police Division as investigations continue,” police said.
Police officers at the crime scene
According to the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2024, homicide cases rose to 4,329 incidents, with more than 4,400 people killed in 2024.
The report indicates that although overall crime declined by 4.1 percent, murder by assault and mob action remained significant contributors, averaging about 12 killings per day in 2024.
The national homicide rate has historically ranged between 8 and 11 per 100,000 people.