By Wesley Spartan
Kigali: Rwanda National Police (RNP) has handed over Rwf250,000 and Ush3 million to a Ugandan businessman, after it was recovered from a suspected thief who had crossed into Rwanda through Kagitumba border.
The suspect identified as Fred Byamukama, was tracked and arrested on Monday in Rwemiyaga Sector of Nyagatare District, after timely exchange of information and collaboration between Rwanda and Uganda Police forces.
The money was recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest, after police searched him.
RNP handed over the money to its legitimate owner on June 19 at the headquarters in Kacyiru in the presence of Uganda's Assistant Commissioner of Police Patrick Lawot,police Liaison officer at Uganda High Commission in Rwanda.
The Ugandan businessman identified as Tumwebaze Wycliffe, expressed surprise upon learning that his money was recovered, after having resigned to the thought that he would never recover it.
“The suspect is a person I know very well. On June 8, I gave him Ush4 million shillings in advance to purchase beans, but instead, he disappeared with the money and switched his phone off. All attempts to reach him were futile and that is when I realized I had been robbed,” he narrated to journalists.
“I reported to Uganda Police and days later, I was told that the thief had been arrested in Rwanda. Today they have given back the money and I am very grateful to Rwanda National Police for its efficiency and strong collaboration with Uganda.”
Police Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Celestin Twahirwa, noted that the successful operation is an evidence of existing security and safety for people from both Rwanda and Uganda, due to the "fruitful cooperation between the two police forces."
“We received information from our counterparts in Uganda that a suspected thief is likely to cross into Rwanda after running away with Ush4 million. Tight surveillance at the border ensured that the man was tracked and successfully apprehended as he reached Nyagatare,” CSP Twahirwa said.
“This is not the first time Rwanda and Uganda have cooperated to apprehend suspects and return property to the legitimate owners. This partnership has boosted the trust and confidence among the people and business community of both countries.”
Assistant Commissioner Lawot noted that such quick and professional responses convey strong message to criminals how difficult it is to commit a crime and flee to another country.
“Just like the previous criminals who were apprehended as they attempted to cross the border, this suspect also thought that he would elude justice. Uganda and Rwanda have built strong cooperation, these and many others are fruits of that partnership." Lawot said.
“Whenever we have a suspect, we instantly share the information with RNP and trust that they will do their work efficiently and professionally.”
In January this year, RNP also handed over Rwf500,000 to Ugandan authorities, after it was recovered from a suspected thief who had crossed and arrested in Rwanda.
In last December, RNP also handed over Rwf8 million to a Ugandan businessman which had been stolen from him in Kabale, south-western Uganda and wired to Rwanda.similarly Uganda Police Force handed over a Genocide suspect to RNP in the same period. (End)
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