Three Suspects Arrested as Police Recover Stolen Goods in Mbarara

MBARARA – Police in Mbarara District have arrested three suspects in connection with a shop break-in and theft reported in Mushunga Cell, Kabwesanga Ward, Rubindi-Ruhumba Town Council.

The suspects have been identified as Ahimbitsibwe Joseph, 28, Tumwiine John, approximately 35, and Muhwezi Robert.

According to police, the incident occurred on August 11, 2026, after the complainant rented a house at Kabwesanga Trading Centre and stocked it with various items in preparation to open a shop.

After arranging the merchandise, the complainant locked the premises around midnight and briefly left for a nearby hotel to get something to eat. However, when he returned about 30 minutes later, he discovered that all the items he had stocked in the shop had been stolen.

He reported the matter at Rubindi Police Station early the following morning, August 12, prompting police to respond and deploy the K9 Unit.

At the scene, a police dog named Nana picked up a human scent and tracked it for approximately 800 metres before leading officers to a house occupied by Ankunda Mutetsi, who operates a bar in the area.

During questioning, Mutetsi reportedly provided information that helped investigators identify the three suspects.

Police later traced Ahimbitsibwe Joseph to his residence, where officers conducted a search and recovered several shop items.

The recovered property was positively identified by the complainant as part of the items stolen from the shop.

During interrogation, Ahimbitsibwe reportedly admitted to participating in the theft alongside his two alleged accomplices. Police subsequently arrested Tumwiine and Muhwezi, who also reportedly confessed to their involvement in the break-in.

The three suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, while police efforts are underway to recover the remaining stolen property.