Lira City: LC1 chairperson, his female residents steal govt mosquito nets

Stealing government property like mosquito nets and drugs is an offence in Uganda.

These items are always labelled “government of Uganda property, not for sale.” However, for diehard thieves, the inscription is just a mere threat even when the suspects are arrested.

As we close the month of January, on 31, at around 9am, a case of theft of mosquito nets supplied by the Ministry of Health was reported at Lira City West Division and registered.

“The alleged theft occurred at Junior Quarters A Cell, Lira City West Division, Lira City,” SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, PRO for North Kyoga Region said on Saturday.

SP Okema identified the complainant as Okello Sam, 50; a civil servant and resident of Kichope Cell, Odokomit Ward, Lira City West Division who reported that a bale containing fifty (50) mosquito nets, property of the Government of Uganda, had been stolen.

The mosquito nets had been temporarily stored at Lira Police Primary School awaiting distribution to residents of Junior Quarters Cell under a Ministry of Health community program.

It is alleged that Okori James, 49, a carpenter and LC1 chairperson of Junior Quarters Cell, together with Awor Jane, 38, self-employed, and Tino Annette, 29, self-employed, all residents of Junior Quarters Cell, Junior Quarters Ward, unlawfully took the said bale of mosquito nets and kept it under unclear reasons.

“Upon receipt of the complaint, police conducted searches at the residences of the suspects where the stolen mosquito nets were recovered.

“The scene of the crime was visited and documented, exhibits were properly recovered and exhibited as evidence, and statements were recorded from relevant witnesses. The suspects were arrested and detained to assist with ongoing investigations.

According to SP Okema, preliminary findings indicate that the recovered mosquito nets are confirmed to be the property of the government of Uganda meant for free distribution to the community.

“Inquiries into the matter are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the theft and identify any other persons involved,” he added in a statement.

“We appeal to our local leaders to respect and stop undermining government programs. Once the investigation is complete files will be compiled and submitted to RCSA for perusal and legal guidance.”