The Police on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, said they had completed their investigations into the alleged theft of 214 pieces of iron sheets that were stolen from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and that two suspects would be arraigned in court over the matter. 

Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) spokesperson Patrick Onyango noted that two suspects were in custody at Entebbe Police Station and were due to appear in Entebbe Court on Thursday, January 11. 

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Kibuli has concluded its investigation into the alleged theft of 214 pieces of iron sheets suspected to have been stolen from the Office of the Prime Minister” Onyango said. 

He noted that on August 13, 2023, the Police received information regarding suspected iron sheets belonging to the OPM, being kept in a residence in Bufulu Zone, Nkumba, Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District. 

“A Police raid on the said residence resulted in the recovery of 214 pieces of iron sheets, identified as government property belonging to the Office of the Prime Minister. 

Two suspects were arrested in connection with the theft: Rose Nassaka, 45 years, self-employed and a resident of Bufulu Zone, Nkumba, Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso, and Margret Musoke, 46 years, self-employed and a resident of the same area. 

Charges

Following thorough investigations, the case file was submitted to the State Attorney for perusal and legal counsel. The State Attorney recommended that the duo be charged in court,” Onyango added. 

He noted that the State Attorney has preferred four charges against the suspects which include; receiving stolen property, contrary to section 314 (1) of the Penal Code Act; Retaining stolen property, contrary to section 314(2) of the Penal Code Act; conspiracy to commit a felony, as per section 390 of the Penal Code Act; and Conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, contrary to a section 391 of the Penal Code Act. 

The iron sheets were recovered after the Police in Entebbe received information about a vehicle registration number UAZ 305Q Isuzu Forward, which was at a construction site loading iron sheets. Police rushed to the scene and cordoned off the site. 

Speaking to the media at the time, Luke Owoyesigyire the KMP deputy spokesperson said a team from Police went into the enclosed home and found 51 pieces of iron sheets being loaded onto the vehicle. 

“A further search led to the recovery of 164 other iron sheets in one of the rooms in the house located in Nkumba, Katabi Town Council in Wakiso District to make it a total of 215 iron sheets,” Owoyesigyire added. 

Describing the recovered iron sheets, Owoyesigyire noted that they were labelled ‘Roofings prime quality Aluzine pre-painted sheet UNBS certified Gauge 28 (0.32mm) CCAZ85 class 2 coil No.0125-04-01-10 ROOFINGS. MILLS LIMITED 25TH JULY 2022. For the Office of the Prime Minister.’ 

Owoyesigyire said according to locals, the house belongs to a person only known as Joy, but noted they have taken the water and electricity metres to help investigators get details of the owner of the premises. 

He said the exhibits were taken to Entebbe Police Station as investigations into the matter continue. 

Iron sheets received from the office of the Prime Minister used to roof State Minister for Planning Amos Lugolobi farm located in Misanga parish in Misanga Village, Bbale Sub County in Kayunga District. File photo

Ministers charged

Close to six people including three ministers are currently facing charges related to the alleged theft of iron sheets meant for the Karamoja sub-region. 

This follows arrests that were carried out in February 2023 after Minister for Karamoja, Mary Goretti Kitutu’s brother Michael Naboya Kitutu, was found selling them. 

The suspects who are now in court include Kitutu, state minister for Karamoja Agnes Nandutu and State Minister for Finance Amos Lugoloobi, who are facing charges related to corruption before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala. 

Others include Naboya and Kitutu's personal assistant, Joshua Abaho. 

The iron sheets had been bought using part of the sh39.9b supplementary budget which was meant for disarmament and community empowerment program in Karamoja. 

These were to be given out to reformed youth warriors known as Karachunas and other vulnerable groups like the elderly and women in the Karamoja sub-region. 

OPM identified MM Integrated Steel Mills Uganda Limited and M/S Roofings Group to supply pre-painted iron sheets and these were marked “Office of the Prime Minister.” 

Kitutu will tomorrow (Thursday, January 11) appear before the Inspector General of Government who is also probing the matter.