Summary:

• Police in Hoima district, Uganda, led by Commander Jackson Bogere, destroyed over 10 acres of marijuana gardens, seized more than 10 sacks of the drug, and arrested six individuals, including a local official, during a Wednesday operation, with suspects alleging theft by some police officers, prompting an investigation.

In an operation led by Hoima district Police commander Jackson Bogere on Wednesday, law enforcement officers destroyed marijuana gardens spanning over 10 acres and confiscated more than 10 sacks of the illicit substance. The targeted areas were Kiryabutuzi and Kibugubya parishes, known for having a significant number of marijuana cultivators.

Regrettably, it was discovered that some of the destroyed gardens belonged to the parish woman councillor and her spouse. Bogere attributed the proliferation of marijuana cultivation in Kyabigambire sub-county to the negligence of local leaders.

Despite the illegal status of marijuana trade and consumption in Uganda, Bogere highlighted that numerous residents openly engage in its cultivation and use. He expressed satisfaction with the operation’s success in eradicating the illicit crops and confiscating multiple sacks of marijuana.

During the operation, police apprehended five men and one woman who were found in possession of sacks of marijuana. The arrested individuals, namely Alet Barinaba (81), Edison Amate (53), Nicholas Adaku (30), Samuel Adebu (34), Yoti Mufati (26), and Pamela Eyotaro (23), all reside in Kiryabutuzi village.

The suspects accused some police officers of stealing their money. Commander Bogere assured a thorough investigation into these allegations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity within the police force.