Police in Kassanda District have arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged theft of stone base materials from the ongoing Mityana–Mubende road construction project, with authorities warning against sabotage of public infrastructure works.
The arrests followed a complaint by Sajon Ngunule, Chairperson of the Workers’ Union at Energo Project Company, the contractor executing the road works, who reported intelligence indicating theft of construction materials from the project site.
Acting on the information, police carried out an operation at the workplace of Sekyanzi Pascal in Kiwogo Cell, Kalamba Ward, Kiganda Town Council, where they reportedly recovered two heaps of stone base suspected to belong to the contractor.
Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi confirmed the arrests, identifying the suspects as Pascal Sekyanzi, 47, a resident of Nyanzi LC1 in Kiganda Town Council, and John Kiyingi, 58, a resident of Kigoloba LC1 in Kasambya Parish, Kiganda Town Council in Kassanda District.
Police say preliminary findings suggest the suspects had been involved in the theft of road construction materials over time, allegedly in collaboration with individuals linked to the project.
“Our investigations suggest that the theft of road construction materials had become a recurring practice involving the suspects and some individuals linked to the contractor. We are committed to ensuring everyone involved is held accountable,” SSP Kigozi said.
In a related development, police also arrested a third suspect for allegedly attempting to interfere with investigations through bribery.
The suspect, identified as Andrew Wasswa, 25, a resident of Kyamusota Village in Kawungera Parish, Kiganda Town Council, is accused of offering Shs50,000 to Detective Constable Petee Auruku, claiming he was a relative of the arrested suspects and seeking their release.
Police say Wasswa was immediately arrested, and the money was recovered as evidence.
“Attempting to bribe a public officer to interfere with investigations is a criminal offence. Such actions undermine justice and will be prosecuted accordingly,” SSP Kigozi said.
Wasswa has been charged with giving a bribe to a public officer with intent to defeat justice and is expected to appear in court after sanctioning by the Resident State Attorney for Kassanda.
Police have warned members of the public against stealing, purchasing or handling materials meant for public infrastructure projects, saying such acts undermine national development efforts.
Investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals allegedly involved in the theft of construction materials from the road project.
