The Crime Intelligence Division of the Police has apprehended a motorcycle taxi (boda boda) rider linked to the theft of shs2.2 billion from the residence of Barbara Nekesa, the NRM treasurer, last year.
On Monday, it was revealed that Ivan Lukungu, also known as Pallaso, who had been evading capture, was located and arrested in Nyendo, Masaka, where he had been hiding since the robbery occurred.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga mentioned on Monday that it took approximately three days of active surveillance by operatives from the Crime Intelligence Division to locate and apprehend Lukungu along Edward Street in Masaka City.
Earlier, 12 individuals, including police officers, had been arrested in connection with the December 5 robbery at Nekesa’s residence in Kyeyitabya zone, Bukasa Parish, Makindye division.
During the robbery, Shs41 million belonging to Nekesa and another Shs2.2 billion belonging to her husband, businessman Hajji Sulaiman Lumolo, were stolen.
Last week, the police reported that only two of the five bags of cash were recovered, suspecting that Pallaso might have absconded with the remaining bags of money.
Upon his arrest, Lukungu confessed to participating in the robbery but claimed to have received only Shs123 million. He reportedly used the money to purchase a Toyota Harrier for Shs62 million, start a restaurant business for Shs20 million, acquire a plot of land along Nabugabo road in Masaka City, and establish an electric shop on goodwill for Shs16 million.
It is further alleged that Lukungu bought the electric shop for his new wife, whom he married after the heist, and also acquired a house using part of the stolen money.
Police have confirmed that all the properties, deemed proceeds of the crime, have been confiscated. Lukungu is scheduled to appear in court to face charges of aggravated robbery, among others, alongside his accomplices who are currently remanded at Luzira after appearing before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court.
