Alebtong, Uganda | Security agencies in Alebtong District have arrested a suspect accused of breaking into Adwir Sub-county stores and stealing 250 hoes donated by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in a dramatic overnight operation led by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC), Mathias Lutwama.
According to Lutwama, residents alerted him at about 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, after noticing suspicious activity at the sub-county stores in Adwir Parish. He immediately coordinated with the police and other security agencies, leading to a swift operation that resulted in the arrest of Lawrence Ongom, a resident of Alalokwech Village in Adwir Parish.
Lutwama said the suspect was found in possession of the stolen hoes and allegedly confessed to breaking into the stores. The Deputy RDC further alleged that during interrogation, the suspect claimed he had acted on the instructions of the Senior Assistant Secretary of Adwir Sub-county, Isaac Walter Odongo.
Security agencies have launched a manhunt for Odongo, who the Deputy RDC said is currently on the run.
Police have opened a case at Adwir Police Station to investigate the theft of the hoes, which were part of a presidential donation intended to support local beneficiaries.
Lutwama commended residents for promptly reporting the suspected theft, saying the quick response demonstrated the effectiveness of community policing in combating crime. He urged members of the public to continue working closely with security agencies by providing timely information to protect government property and strengthen public accountability.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.