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KAMPALA - In the wake of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit held in January, Police have found themselves embroiled in a high-stakes investigation following the theft of a vehicle.

As delegates and dignitaries departed Kampala leaving behind echoes of diplomatic discourse and international camaraderie, the theft served as an unwelcome reminder of the potential pitfalls in hosting such large events.

The case

It all started on March 21, 2024, when Police recovered a stolen government vehicle and arrested the prime suspect involved in the theft.

Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said: the case traces back to February 14, 2024, when Francis  Keeya, an officer overseeing transport logistics during the NAM and G+77 conferences, reported the theft of a motor vehicle with the registration number UG 0053N.

The vehicle vanished from Kololo Ceremonial Grounds immediately after the conclusion of the conferences.

“On Thursday, last week, detectives armed with intelligence gleaned from Uganda Police cameras, the team combed through leads in pursuit of the stolen vehicle.

Their efforts bore fruit with the arrest of Mathias Musiime, a driver affiliated with the health ministry in Kampala. Shockingly, Musiime had also served as a driver during the NAM and G+77 conferences, raising suspicions of insider involvement.

The stolen vehicle, UG 0053N, was found parked at the new Mulago parking yard.

Further investigations led to the discovery of the vehicle's registration number plate concealed at Musiime’s residence in Kiwatule, cleverly hidden within a chicken coop” Owoyesigyire said while addressing journalists on Monday at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala.

He says Investigators unraveled a web of deceit as it emerged that the registration number UG 3477M, affixed to the stolen vehicle, was sourced from an old minivan belonging to the health ministry, parked at Mulago Hospital yard.

Additionally, the ignition key belonging to the stolen vehicle was recovered from Mathias's home in Kiwatule, along with clothing worn by the suspect on the day of the theft, identified as attire typically worn by ambulance drivers at the health ministry.

According to Owoyesigyire, transport officers from the ministry played a pivotal role in aiding the inquiry and facilitating the swift identification and apprehension of the suspect.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities vow to pursue all leads to ensure justice is served. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

About NAM

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Conference held in Kampala, in January, marked a significant milestone in the nation's diplomatic history and global engagement.

Convened amidst a backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics and evolving challenges, the conference provided a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and solidarity among member states.