KAMPALA – UPDF soldiers guarding the home of slain police officer Muhammad Kirumira have arrested a man who was allegedly found spying on the family members and impersonating government and senior army officials.
The suspect was arrested on Monday evening after he reportedly attempted to flee the home when subjected to questions by the family members at the home in Bulenga, Wakiso District.
Defence and army spokesperson Brig. Richard Karemire confirmed the arrest but declined to give details, saying a statement on the matter will be issued at an appropriate time. Attempts to access Kirumira’s home were futile as the army officers at the gate denied journalists access.
However, Mahad Mugenyi Asooka, a brother to Kirumira, said in a telephone interview that the man has been involved in the deceased’s burial preparations since Saturday even when he is not related to the family.
Mugenyi added that the man had told the family that he was sent by State House to help investigate Kirumira’s murder. He added that however, his movements and manner of conduct were suspicious, forcing them to try to arrest them but he fled before he was arrested by soldiers guarding the home.
He also revealed that before being taken away, they searched him and found that he had papers showing that he was once released from Kisenyi Police Post on police bond and that he also had a mobile phone which bore contacts of most of Kirumira’s family members and other senior security officers whom he had named as Afande.
Mugenyi urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the suspect because “his motives are suspicious”.
Kirumira was shot together with his sister-in-law, Resty Nalinya, in the former’s car as the duo arrived at Kirumira’s home in Bulenga near Kampala on Saturday evening. Nalinya died on the spot while Kirumira was confirmed dead at Lubaga hospital.
