SHEEMA DISTRICT, Uganda — A senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer has been arrested along with two others in connection to a violent car robbery in Sheema District, police said Sunday.
Maj. Various Matomi Oyesiga, commander of the 309 Brigade based in Rubirizi District, is accused of involvement in the assault and theft of a vehicle belonging to Apollo Kansiime.
According to police reports, the incident occurred Saturday morning in Migina, Kagongo, where Kansiime was severely beaten before the suspects allegedly stole his Toyota Premio, registration number UAL 692Y. An intense police operation led to the recovery of the vehicle in Kabwohe Town, parked outside a local bar.
A search of the stolen car yielded a loaded AK-47 rifle with the serial number UG UPDF 56030424, directly linking the weapon to the military.
“This is a deeply troubling case, not only because of the violent nature of the robbery but also due to the involvement of a high-ranking UPDF officer,” a police source familiar with the investigation told
UG Standard reporter on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation.
“We expect the suspects to be charged with aggravated assault and robbery.”
Maj. Matomi and his two alleged accomplices are currently being held at Sheema Police Station.
The arrest has raised concerns about the conduct of individuals within the armed forces and the potential misuse of military resources for criminal activities.
Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing and assured the public that justice will be served. The UPDF has yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrest.
