Suspected Kenyan arms dealers arrested in sting operation

Two Kenyan nationals in possession of illegal fire arms have been arrested in Uganda.

Last week, suspects Nasicho Nataka and Peter Mukuwa were arrested over arms trafficking after crossing into Uganda to buy illegal guns.

According to the Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, the two were arrested after sting operation led by the deputy director Crime Intelligence; SCP Joel Aguma disguised as the arms dealers.

This was after Crime Intelligence was contacted by an unidentified source who shared information about the transaction.

"The suspects were trailed from the border point at Malaba up to Namboole where they met a purported seller and agreed to purchase a pistol at sh1.5m" said Enanga.

It is alleged that after the purchase of the pistol, Nataka and Mukuwa went ahead to place a second order for an SMG AK47. Knowing that their intentions were undefined, they were immediately arrested by the police.

"We believe they are part of a wide connection that could be in need of a number of fire arms. As in their possession, the earlier purchased pistol and cash Ksh 446 and sh420000 were recovered," Enanga said adding that the suspects are being interrogated at Jinja Road Police Station.

In a related development, Police have arrested two of its officers in Kacheri Sub County, Kotido district after two guns purportedly went missing from their unit at Losakucha Police Post.

Enanga (L) with the suspects as they were paraded at Police headquarters in Naguru. Photo by Godiver Asege

Following an earlier incident that occurred in Namayingo district where two guns went missing but were later recovered; this is the second time in a period of three months where security officers are being held accountable for the loss of their guns.

Enanga said the Police officers and the circumstances under which the guns were lost are under investigation.

"If it is established that the officers breached force policy by leaving their guns in their houses, they will be disciplined for failing to safe guard force issued equipment," he added.