Thieves break into Karujubu Police Post, steal NIRA equipment

Masindi: Residents of Karujubu Cell in Karujubu Division, Masindi Municipality, have been left in shock after unknown thieves broke into Karujubu Police Post and stole equipment belonging to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning at around 3:00 am.

According to Solomon Asiimwe, the Karujubu Division LC3 Chairperson, he was notified about the break-in by the officer in charge of the police post at around 4:00 am. Asiimwe confirmed that the thieves made off with several NIRA items, including three laptops, a long cable wire, and other equipment. Some of the items were reportedly abandoned after police fired live bullets in the air to disperse the suspects.

Asiimwe noted that the community is grappling with rising cases of theft, with criminals now waylaying residents and stealing coffee from gardens. He appealed to the district security committee to beef up security in the area, especially during the festive season.

He further urged residents to report suspected criminals to the nearest police post or local authorities. Asiimwe said the theft has paralyzed the ongoing NIRA registration exercise and called for urgent intervention from the Authority to restore smooth operations.

Julius Isingoma, the Karujubu Division Town Clerk, said an office attendant informed him that the suspects also attempted to break into the accountant’s office but failed to break the padlock. He immediately reported the matter to Masindi Central Police Station under SD REF 53/18/11/025.

When contacted for comment, Suzan Nabunje Kiyengo, the Masindi District NIRA Registrar, confirmed the incident but said she was still in the field and referred inquiries to the police.

Solomon Mugisa, the Albertine North Regional Community Liaison Officer (CLO), also confirmed the theft and said investigations have begun. He appealed to community members to provide information that could help in arresting the suspects and to alert authorities if they come across anyone selling laptops or similar gadgets.

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