Kampala, (UG): Police in Kampala are holding a former soldier of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) over the illegal possession of counterfeit US Dollars, worth $40,000.
The suspect, identified as Kenneth Nkurunugi, 36, is a resident of Rukungiri, Buyanjja Sub-county, Buyanjja Town Council, according to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Mr Luke Owoyesigyire.
Nkurunugi, who retired from UPDF in 2008 and is currently serving as a military trainer in Juba, South Sudan was arrested on Thursday, October 12, at Namayiba Bus Terminal in Kampala following an operation led by Old Kampala Police.
The operation according to Mr Owoyesigyire was prompted by actionable intelligence regarding a man who had a small box containing counterfeit black dollars valued at $40,000.
“On the evening of October 12, 2023, at approximately 8 PM, a significant operation led by Old Kampala Police unfolded at Namayiba Bus Terminal in Old Kampala, Zone One, Kampala Central District. The operation was prompted by actionable intelligence regarding an individual, Mr Nkurunugi Kenneth, who had a small box containing counterfeit black dollars valued at USD 40,000,” Mr Owoyesigyire stated in a police statement.
Police say Nkurunugi had returned to Uganda for a vacation on August 19, 2023, with plans to return to Juba on September 19, 2023, but extended his stay beyond the return period.
Mr Owoyesigyire explains that upon being quizzed for being in possession of the counterfeit money, the suspect claimed that the package was intended to be transported to Juba through Classic Bus.
Further investigations revealed that Nkurunugi was contacted by Mr Musa Adam, a resident of Juba, who, on October 12, 2023, instructed him to meet an unknown individual in town who would provide him with the package.
“The exchange occurred near Total Katwe, close to BMK House, where Kenneth received the sealed box. He proceeded with it to Namayiba Bus Terminal, where he handed it over to Classic Bus staff, particularly a person named Harriet, who acknowledged the package, and Kenneth departed.
Subsequently, Police say the suspect was called back to retrieve the package, only to discover that it had been left behind. Police officers intervened, leading to his arrest.
“Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the money in the box was counterfeit black dollars with a total value of USD 40,000SD,” Mr Owoyesigyire said, confirming the report.
He added that “police are actively investigating this case, and further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
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