Uganda Police Force (UPF) has raided the home of one Francis Atugonza, head of the royal guards for the Bunyoro Kitara kingdom. The raid, which took place in the Kasasa-Rukooge cell of Hoima City, was part of a search for stolen goods, including laptops, mobile phones and clothing. The items were allegedly stolen from Ms Peruth Kabale, the deputy RDC of Kyankwanzi District, and other individuals.
Francis Atugonza claims he was unaware of the reason for the raid. He stated that police officers were patrolling his compound when he awoke at around 6am. While the police were searching his property, he contacted Hoima City security officials, but they were unaware of the operation.
He further expressed concern that security personnel from Kyankwanzi would search his residence without notifying local authorities in Hoima City. Mr Atugonza suspects that the raid is connected to the ongoing conflict between the Bunyoro Kitara kingdom’s Chief Prince and Prime Minister.
He alleges that the kingdom administration is behind the raid. The Chief Prince, Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, recently appointed Atugonza as the minister for production in the interim cabinet for Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
However, Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga denies the claims, stating that the kingdom administration was not involved and has not reported any cases to the police concerning Francis. The police officers searching Atugonza’s home were led by Detective Arnold Atuheire, a Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) from Kyankwanzi central police station.
He more so declined to comment on the search, stating he was not authorized to speak to the media. Mr Bosco Patrick Obotol, the officer in charge of Hoima West Division Police Station, later clarified that the officers were legally searching Mr Atugonza’s home in connection with a theft case reported in Kyankwanzi District.
Patrick Obotol confirmed that the police had been tracking the suspects and that the coordinates led them to Mr Atugonza’s property. The police searched the living quarters of Mr Atugonza’s workers, but did not find the stolen items.
“The officers who conducted the search were doing it legally, and it happened after police tracked the suspects and the coordinates led them to Atugonza’s home. The police was right and we were informed later on after the search was over” Obotol noted
This is not the first time such home searches happen without the local police being informed, especially when the case involves CMI and other crime intelligence departments. So the police is notified later as per protocol after the search is done.
