Man steals Museveni condolence for Luwum family, arrested
L-R: Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Ms Betty Aol Ocan, Prime Minister Rugunda, Deputy Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, ministers Hilary Onek and Henry Okello Oryem send-off the remains of Mary Luwum in Kitgum District on Saturday. PHOTO BY TOBBIAS JOLLY OWINYl
Police in Kitgum District are holding a suspect over attempting to steal President Museveni’s Shs10m condolence to the family of the late Janani and Mary Luwum.
Mr Moses Bwire, the district police commander, said they were holding the suspect at Kitgum Central Police Station.
Sources say the suspect travelled from Kampala.
He reportedly stole the envelope containing the money at the burial site in Wigweng Village, Mucwini Sub-county in Kitgum, as the remains of Mary Luwum were being lowered into the grave.
Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, who represented the President, had just handed over the condolence to Ms Phoebe Aber Luwum, a family member.
“I think he (suspect) knew that this lady (Phoebe) had the money. So when they went to the burial ground, he opened the bag and removed the money,” Mr Bwire, said.
Other sources Daily Monitor talked to said the suspect stole the envelope during the three-gun salute.
He reportedly dropped it on the floor, stepped on it and later picked it before an escort of the Prime Minister noticed his suspicious behaviour.
The guard alerted other security personnel who arrested him.
“Good enough someone was keen and saw him,” Mr Bwire said, adding that all the Shs10m was recovered.
