Lira, Uganda | Police in Lira City East Division have arrested the LC1 Chairperson of Ireda Estates Cell, Francis Odwar, on allegations of stealing maize belonging to police officers and being in possession of government property.
According to North Kyoga Regional Police, the arrest follows multiple complaints from officers who had planted maize on police land in Ireda Estates.
On Tuesday morning, police deployed a sniffer dog after spotting fresh footprints in the garden.
The canine tracked the trail directly to Odwar’s home, where he allegedly attempted to flee before being apprehended.
A search of his house, conducted in the presence of neighbours, yielded several items including an empty gun magazine, two pairs of trousers, four shirts and a black belt of police uniform, a sack of mosquito nets labelled Government of Uganda – Not for Sale, a pair of black army shoes, a 17-inch Alipu television set, fresh maize concealed under dried maize, and a tear gas canister.
Police have kept the recovered items as exhibits. Odwar faces charges of possession of government stores, illegal possession of suspected stolen property, and theft.
His case file will be forwarded to the Resident Chief State Attorney for legal guidance before he appears in court.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP Jimmy Patrick Okema condemned the incident, urging residents to elect leaders of integrity and to promptly report criminal elements in their communities.
