Security forces in Kisoro District, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officers, and the Police, have arrested a suspect accused of stealing a SAR rifle from a security guard in Kabale Municipality.
The suspect, identified as Hakizimana Emmanuel, alias Zulunguriye Black, was apprehended on Saturday at approximately 10:22 p.m. in Kashaija Village, Kashaija Ward, Rubuguri Town Council. He was found in possession of SAR rifle number 564 210028-15120.
The firearm had reportedly been stolen from Osbert Byonanebye, a security guard for Ruhama Veterans at Pearl Hotel in Kabale Municipality, on April 10, 2025, while he was allegedly asleep on duty.
At the time of the theft, the rifle contained two rounds of ammunition; however, only one round was recovered with the weapon.
Police report that Hakizimana is a habitual offender. In 2021, he was released from Ndorwa Government Prison in Kabale after serving time for robbery.
The following year, he broke into Mutanda Lake Hotel, stealing valuables from tourists, including money, cameras, and a phone. Although arrested and taken to court, he was later discharged due to lack of evidence, as the victims had returned to their home countries and could not testify.
In March 2024, he was again arrested after stealing clothes belonging to Detective Constable Tumuramye Rodney from the Kisoro Police Barracks (CRB 321/2024).
He was caught wearing the stolen items, taken to court, convicted, and fined Shs 250,000, which he paid before being released.
On December 16, 2024, the suspect was found illegally cooking in Bwindi National Park by a joint UPDF and UWA patrol.
He fled the scene, leaving behind personal documents including national identification cards and photographs, which were handed over to the 35th Battalion in Nyakabande.
Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, Elly Maate, confirmed that the suspect will be transferred to the UPDF 2nd Division headquarters in Mbarara for further management.
