Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | A police officer accused of impounding and stealing a boda boda under the guise of delivering it to Kampala Central Police Station is now in Luzira prison, facing theft charges.
On Tuesday 27, February 2024 afternoon, Police Constable Michael Ahabwe, 37, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Siena Owomugisha and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was subsequently remanded to Luzira Prison until March 11. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, led by State Attorney Lydia Nakato, informed the court that investigations are still ongoing.
The prosecution contends that Ahabwe, attached to Amolatar Police Station and residing in Andrews village, Kakiika ward, Mbarara district, committed the offense on March 4, 2022. The alleged incident took place at New Master Stage Equatorial Mall on Bombo Road in Kampala, where he purportedly stole a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with registration number UFF 262A, belonging to boda boda rider Samuel Walusimbi, valued at Shs 5 million.
Court records reveal that Ahabwe is also facing a separate case involving the theft of rail bars and a metallic small gate valued at Shs 1 million, belonging to Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (UETCL).
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Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, addressing journalists on Monday 26, February 2024, disclosed that after stealing the motorcycle, Ahabwe deserted the police force and secured employment at SGA Security firm as a security guard. However, his new job was short-lived as he allegedly stole UETCL property.
Ahabwe’s troubles began when SGA reported the theft to the police, leading to an investigation that revealed he was a fugitive from the force. The police discovered his involvement in the motorcycle theft in Kampala while he was on the run.
