On Saturday, the management of Garden Inn Guest House in Lira City strongly refuted a North Kyoga Regional Police report about an alleged theft involving one of its employees, Winnie Tino.
The police report, issued on Friday, March 7, 2025, pinned Garden Inn Guest House of laxity in security and lack of cooperation with the investigators.
In a press briefing held on March 8, 2025, Andrew Otim, Garden Inn Guest House manager, clarified their position, denying allegations that they were uncooperative or that its security was inadequate.
He also confirmed that Winnie Tino, the 23-year-old receptionist accused of theft, had been released from police custody and had resumed her duties.
“I want to make it very clear that our Guest House has no client registered under the name Atim Brenda. We do not have any record of such a guest in our books,” Otim stated emphatically.
He seems to point out that the complainant, who tndNews has identified as being highly popular across Uganda because of her political status with one of the oldest political parties, had registered in their book with a different name.
Otim emphasized that the management is fully cooperating with the police investigators and urged the police spokesperson, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, to provide a balanced narrative in his reports.
He also defended their security measures, noting that Garden Inn is one of the oldest and most reputable Guest Houses in Lira City.
“The security of our hotel is guaranteed. This is the second oldest hotel in Lira, and we take the safety of our guests very seriously,” he added.
According to the police statement, Winnie Tino was arrested on suspicion of stealing shs5.8 million and other valuables from this popular politician’s guest room.
The same statement said Atim Brenda, a 32-year-old businesswoman from Wakiso District, claimed that she had booked a room at Garden Inn on January 31, 2025.
On the evening of March 5, 2025, while relaxing with friends in the hotel’s yard, Brenda reportedly sent Tino to her room to retrieve a phone charger at around 11:00 p.m.
Approximately 20 minutes later, Brenda returned to her room and discovered that her black handbag, containing shs5.8 million in cash, an Infinix Hot 20, a Samsung Galaxy, and a Tecno button phone, were all missing.
She immediately reported the incident to the police, leading to Tino’s arrest.
North Kyoga Region SP SP Jimmy Patrick Okema confirmed that a case of theft had been registered and that police officers had responded swiftly to the scene.
He also noted that CCTV footage had been reviewed, leading to the identification of additional suspects. “Efforts to trace and arrest the other suspects seen in the CCTV footage are ongoing,” Okema stated.
On Friday SP Okema urged hotel guests to exercise caution with their valuables and advised them to declare such items to the management for safekeeping.
When contacted for comment on Otim’s rebuttal, SP Okema maintained the accuracy of the police report. “If Mr. Otim disagrees with our report, he is free to come to the police and address his concerns.”
He reiterated that the investigation is ongoing and that further updates will be provided as new information emerges.
The conflicting accounts from Garden Inn management and the police have raised questions about the handling of the case.
While the police have emphasized the need for improved security and cooperation, Garden Inn’s management has defended its reputation and denied any wrongdoing and announced they are cooperating with the police.
As the investigation continues, both parties have called for transparency and accountability to ensure justice is served.
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