M23 REBEL ARRESTED IN KISORO FOR AGGRAVATED ROBBERY

By Ambrose Kweronda
In Kisoro—-

Police in Kisoro District in south western Uganda announced on Monday the apprehension of an individual linked to the M23 rebel group operating in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

The arrest was made on charges of aggravated robbery.

Mr. Elly Maate, the police spokesperson for the Kigezi region, identified the suspect as 22-year-old Gestin Ngonga, a resident of Rucuro Kiwanja territory in the (DRC)

According to Maate, on Sunday, September 10, Ngonga intercepted Lawrence Nasasira, a resident of Kakanke village in Kisoro District, while he was riding a motorcycle. During this encounter, Ngonga allegedly robbed Nasasira of Shs400,000 and two mobile phones.

This incident occurred at around 5 pm in Kinanira village, Mupaka town council, Kisoro District.

Maate provided further details: “It’s alleged that on September 10, 2023, at about 1700 hours in Kinanira village, Mupaka town council, the victim was riding his motorcycle when he was intercepted by the said suspect, armed with an SMG rifle No.CDFA2719381 with two magazines loaded with 55 rounds of live ammunition. The suspect robbed him of Shs400,000 and two mobile phones, after which he ordered him to ride away.”

Mr. Nasasira reported the incident to the Mupaka border security team in Kisoro District. Subsequently, Ngonga was pursued and arrested by UPDF 35 Battalion soldiers, who also recovered the rifle and the stolen phones.

Maate disclosed that since the suspect is affiliated with the M23 rebel group, the matter has been handed over to UPDF officers at the 2nd division in Makenke, Mbarara city, for further handling and investigation.