Five Arrested for Vandalizing Street Lights, Causing UGX 225 Million in Damages in Kabale

Summary:

• The suspects have been identified as Ampaire Gerevazio alias Muhumuza (18), a herdsman residing in Kigongi cell, Central Ward, Central Division in Kabale Municipality, Muhereza Martin (28) from Hamurwa in Rubanda District, Mirembe Esera (40) from Muruhita Village, Rubanda District, Habomugisha Gerevazio (40) from Hamurwa Village, Rubanda District and Arinaitwe Edita (22) from Kakore cell, Rubanda District.

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KABALE: Police in Kabale District have arrested five suspects for conspiracy to commit a felony, malicious damage, theft, and possession of tools used to break street light solar panels within Kabale Municipality.

Elly Maate, the Kigezi region Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrests and stated that the cases have been registered at Kabale Central Police Station under reference number CRB 674/2024.

The suspects have been identified as Ampaire Gerevazio alias Muhumuza (18), a herdsman residing in Kigongi cell, Central Ward, Central Division in Kabale Municipality, Muhereza Martin (28) from Hamurwa in Rubanda District, Mirembe Esera (40) from Muruhita Village, Rubanda District, Habomugisha Gerevazio (40) from Hamurwa Village, Rubanda District and Arinaitwe Edita (22) from Kakore cell, Rubanda District.

According to Maate, between July and September 2024, the suspects conspired to maliciously damage street lights valued at UGX 225,750,000 in Makanga cell, Rwakaraba cell, Rushoroza, and Nyabikoni areas in Kabale Municipality. The damaged property belongs to the government of Uganda, specifically for Kabale Municipality.

Maate noted that the suspects have committed these crimes multiple times and sold the stolen items in Rubanda District to a man named Nuwamanya, who remains at large. Nuwamanya is reportedly the husband of Arinaitwe Edita, one of the suspects in custody.

The arrests were made following an intelligence tip-off, leading to the capture of the suspects from their hideout while others fled. During the operation, police recovered two solar batteries from the possession of Mirembe Esera and another individual known as Mushwaza.

Maate revealed that the vice has been ongoing in Kabale Municipality, with several cases registered at Kabale Police Station, where investigations are still active. The scenes of crime have been inspected by police, municipal officials, and local leaders. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend additional suspects.

CUE IN MAATE…ON ARREST……RR/ENG//