Pallaso, another suspect in shs 2.2bn heist at Nekesa Oundo’s home arrested in Masaka

Kampala, (UG): Police have confirmed the arrest of Pallaso (real names Ivan Lukungu), a boda boda rider linked to the Shs2.2bn that was robbed from Ambassador Barbara Nekesa’s home in Muyenga, Makindye Division in early December.

Lukungu who was arrested from Masaka City where he was hiding becomes the 13th suspect to be held for the mega heist that left Ms Nekesa, the NRM National Treasurer and her husband, Hajj Sulaiman Lumolo total despair.

Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga while addressing journalists on Monday revealed that Lukungu had gone on a run after the robbery but was arrested by officers from the Crime Intelligence Directorate led by Mr Ismael Ssennono.

“After 2 days, of intensified surveillance, they arrested the suspect on 27.01.2024 along Edward Street in Masaka City,” said Mr Enanga, adding that upon further interrogation, Lukungu admitted to having participated in the robbery that took place in Muyenga, and confirmed that he received Ugx 120m.

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Lukungu, a resident of Nyendo in Masaka City allegedly spent the stolen cash on buying a house (Ugx 20m) on Bukakata Road, a Toyota Harrier car (Ugx 62m), and a restaurant business (Ugx 10m).

Pallaso also went ahead to establish for his wife an electronic shop worth shs16m in Masaka City and bought a plot of land along Nabugabo Road Masaka at Ugx 15m within the same area.

DailyExpress understands that when Lukungu arrived in Masaka with huge sums of money, people wondered where he had got it and he told them how he had just returned from South Africa where he made good money, which he is using to settle down.

However, upon his arrest, Enanga said Police have since seized all the property he bought using the stolen money and has been transferred to Kabalagala Police Division, the area of jurisdiction for the robbery crime as inquiries proceed into the case.

“It was established that the suspect was in Masaka City, from the 10th of January, 2024, till to-date, and was transferred from Masaka to Kabalagala Police Division for further court process. At the time of his arrest, he had allegedly spent Ugx 123m. He now becomes the 13th suspect in the incident of armed robbery,” Enanga said.