The territorial Police in Sheema District has arrested one suspected criminal in possession of Army attire, a hand gun, ammunition, and car number plates.
Police identified the suspect as John Baptist Atuzarirwe, a resident of Nyakihanga village, Kyempitsi West in Shuuku Town Council, Sheema District and a Director of JB gardens Nyihanga.
According to Police, Atuzarirwe was arrested on December 20, 2022 during a joint operation after various reports were made to Police in regards to his poor relations with the locals of Shuuku.
“An operation led by Lt Col. Nathan Musinguzi, attached to Makenke Barracks was conducted and 61 rounds of pistol ammunitions, three pistol magazines, one toy pistol, two pairs of UPDF uniform, 6 mobile phones, one walkie talkie, two pairs of Army shoes, one pistol jacket and a number plate (UAK 501Q) were recovered from his home,” Police stated.
Police added that Atuzarirwe is currently in custody as further investigations continue.
The UPDF act prohibits any person from manufacturing, selling, wearing or using any uniform authorized for use by the Defence Forces without authority. The persons who violate the act risk an imprisonment term of up to 7 years, on conviction.
Under the UPDF Act, the possession of military paraphernalia without authority is a criminal offence and anyone found guilty faces a 10-year jail term.