Two to face court over theft of road construction materials
Police arrested a third suspect, Andrew Wasswa, 25, after he allegedly attempted to bribe the investigating officer handling the file in a bid to secure the release of the two suspects.
The arrests form part of wider efforts by security agencies to protect public infrastructure projects from vandalism, theft and sabotage that often delay construction works and inflate project costs.
KASANDA - Two men accused of stealing road construction materials meant for the Mityana–Mubende highway project have been arrested and are expected to appear in court as police intensify a crackdown on theft of materials used in the ongoing works in Kassanda District.
The suspects identified as Pascal Sekyanzi, 47, a resident of Myanzi in Kiganda Town Council, and John Kiyingi, 58, of Kigoloba in Kasambya Parish, were arrested after investigations linked them to the illegal possession of stone base belonging to Energo Project Company, the contractor of the road.
Police said the arrests followed a complaint lodged by the company's Workers' Union chairperson, Sajon Ngunule, who reported persistent theft of construction materials from the project.
According to Wamala Regional Police spokesperson Lameck Kigozi, the company had received intelligence indicating that individuals were stealing stone base from the construction site and selling or storing it elsewhere.
Acting on the information, investigators visited the workplace of Sekyanzi in Kiwogo Cell, Kiganda Town Council, where they reportedly recovered two heaps of stone base believed to have been stolen from the contractor.
Police investigations have since established that theft of stone base had become a recurring practice allegedly involving the two suspects, who are accused of working with some individuals attached to the road construction project.
"The habit of stealing stone base from Energo has been a common vice by the two suspects, who conspire with some individuals working with the contractor," Kigozi said.
As investigations progressed, detectives uncovered another alleged offence of attempted bribery.
Police arrested a third suspect, Andrew Wasswa, 25, after he allegedly attempted to bribe the investigating officer handling the file in a bid to secure the release of the two suspects.
According to police, Wasswa, a resident of Kyamusota Village in Kawungera Parish, Kiganda Town Council, approached Detective Constable Peter Auruku with sh50,000, claiming he was a relative of the suspects.
The officer instead arrested him and recovered the sh50,000 note as an exhibit.
Charges of offering a bribe to a public officer with intent to defeat justice have been preferred against Wasswa.
The arrests form part of wider efforts by security agencies to protect public infrastructure projects from vandalism, theft and sabotage that often delay construction works and inflate project costs.
Police have warned members of the public against stealing, scavenging or dealing in road construction materials, saying offenders risk arrest, prosecution and stiff penalties upon conviction.