Police in Mityana Municipality have arrested a private security guard in connection with the disappearance of a firearm belonging to a security company, triggering an ongoing investigation by security agencies in the area.
The suspect, identified as Anderson Baluku, is an employee of Neptune Guards Limited and a resident of Kikumbi Kabba Cell in Busimbi Division.
According to the Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson, Lameck Kigozi, Baluku was arrested after reportedly returning from duty without the rifle he had been assigned.
Kigozi said Baluku had been deployed together with another guard, identified as Ekit Cartsy, at Shrida Investment Limited, a business owned by an Indian national located in Kiwesa Cell, South Ward, Busimbi Division.
Police said Baluku had been issued with a SAR rifle, registration number UG PSO-564211567/15036, loaded with two rounds of ammunition, while his colleague remained armed with a baton.
“The suspect reportedly left his area of deployment during the night and later returned at around 4:30am on a boda boda without the firearm,” Kigozi said.
By the time Baluku returned, his colleague had already noticed both his absence and the missing rifle and alerted supervisors.
Suspicion reportedly deepened after another security guard, Mugenyi Moses, attached to Shell Wabigalo near the deployment area, encountered Baluku in a distressed condition.
“Mugenyi became suspicious after seeing the suspect with injuries, including bruises and a deep cut on the forehead. Baluku requested him for one thousand shillings to pay the boda boda rider who had brought him back,” Kigozi explained.
When questioned about the whereabouts of the rifle, Baluku allegedly failed to provide a clear explanation, prompting his arrest before he was handed over to Wabigalo Police Station.
On Tuesday morning, officers led by the Mityana District Police Commander visited the scene to document evidence and record witness statements.
Police also reviewed CCTV footage from the deployment area as part of efforts to trace the missing firearm and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigations into the disappearance of the gun are ongoing.
Security agencies have appealed to residents in Mityana and surrounding areas to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious object or abandoned firearm that could be linked to the case.
“We urge the public to immediately inform security authorities if they come across any dumped firearm or suspicious item believed to be connected to this incident,” Kigozi said.
Police warned that recovering the missing rifle remains a top priority because of the security risks posed when firearms fall into unauthorised hands.
