Joint security forces in Kisoro district have arrested a man believed to be behind the recent theft of a gun from a private security guard in Kabale.
The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Hakizimana, alias Zulunguriye Black, was intercepted on April 20, 2025, while in possession of the stolen SAR rifle.
According to Kigezi region police spokesperson Elly Maate, the weapon—rifle number 564210028-15120—was stolen on April 10 from security guard Osbert Byonanebye, who was deployed at Pearl Hotel in Kabale.
A combined team of police, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) tracked and arrested Hakizimana during a routine patrol.
Maate revealed that Hakizimana is a known repeat offender with a record of robbery and theft.
In 2021, he completed a prison sentence at Ndorwa Prison for robbery.
The following year, he was accused of breaking into Mutanda Lake Hotel and stealing property from tourists.
Although he was arrested and charged, the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence.
“This arrest has brought a sigh of relief to the community,” said Maate, adding that the suspect would be handed over to the UPDF 2nd Division in Mbarara for further management.
Maate commended the swift coordination between security agencies, saying, “The incident highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between security organs in maintaining law and order.”
The recovered firearm has since been secured as evidence.