Residents of Isingiro District were left talking after police arrested two men accused of stealing six bunches of matooke in a case that has sparked both outrage and amusement in the farming community.
According to the Uganda Police Force, officers at Mbare Police Station are holding two suspects in connection with the theft from the farm of Ahiruhangari Abia, a resident of Kyabahesi Bahingi Cell in Mbare Sub-county.
The suspects were identified as Ruhangariyo Samuel Innocent and Kamukama Alex, alias “Kadogo.”
Authorities say the duo is accused of cutting and stealing six bunches of matooke from the complainant’s plantation under the cover of darkness.
Abia reported that she woke up early to inspect her garden only to discover that unknown persons had harvested and taken the matooke.
Shocked by the loss, she immediately reported the incident to Mbare Police Station and requested the deployment of a sniffer dog to help trace the culprits.
Police deployed a trained canine unit to the scene. The sniffer dog reportedly picked up a strong scent trail and tracked it for about 200 metres before leading officers directly to the home of Ruhangariyo.
A search of the suspect’s house was conducted, and officers recovered six bunches of matooke hidden inside his room, confirming the complainant’s report.
During interrogation, Ruhangariyo — described by police as a neighbour to the complainant and a habitual offender — allegedly implicated his accomplice Kamukama Alex.
Officers later tracked down and arrested Kamukama, bringing the number of suspects in custody to two.
The recovery of the stolen produce has brought relief to the complainant, while residents praised the swift response by officers.
Police say investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be arraigned in court once inquiries are complete.