Budaka, (UG):- The Territorial Police in Budaka District, eastern Uganda are holding in custody one Mpyangu Yusuf, a 20-year-old mechanic over the alleged theft of motorcycle spare parts in a burglary incident reported last week.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, October 10, 2024, raised concerns about security in the area after Mpyangu and others at large reportedly stole the spare parts from the shop owned by one Mutonyo Moureen
Police reports indicate that the suspect who resides in Budaka Township, allegedly devised a plan to steal from the shop of Loda James. On the day of the theft, he left the shop during the morning hours and travelled to Kaperi village, where he misled other workers into believing he had been sent to retrieve a spare key for the shop from Katooko Harriet, the shop attendant.
Unbeknownst to them, Mpyangu had no such authorization. He successfully obtained a copy of the key and returned to the Budaka shop around 2:00 PM, just as Harriet was attending a village meeting.
Once inside the shop, Mpyangu began loading various motorcycle parts, including bellings, kick shafts, motorcycle oil, frames, wheels, side covers, and tanks, all valued at approximately 17.4 million Ugandan shillings.
In addition to the theft, he dismantled a motorcycle with registration number UDG 667 B and sold it as scrap to a local dealer, Manana James Moses, for 120,000 shillings.
The alarm was raised when Harriet returned from the meeting and discovered the theft. She promptly reported the incident to the police, who disseminated the information to neighbouring stations.
Acting on a tip-off, officers from Iganga Police intercepted Mpyangu at Hared Petrol Station, where he was found with boxes containing the stolen goods.
The Acting Police Spokesperson for Bukedi North, SP Samuel Semewo in a statement said; “Mpyangu Yusufu has been arrested and is currently in custody as we continue our investigations into this theft. We are committed to recovering all stolen items and ensuring justice is served.”
The suspect was escorted to Iganga Police Station and subsequently transferred to Budaka Police for further questioning. In a follow-up operation at Manana’s scrap yard, authorities recovered a motorcycle frame and engine parts, further solidifying the case against the suspect.
Police said they have opened a case file (reference number Vid SD Ref 36/11/10/2024) against Mpyangu and have also arrested Manana James Moses to assist with the investigation as inquiries continue, plus the recovery of additional stolen items.
The theft has sparked concern among local residents about security measures in place for businesses in the area. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
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