By Charlotte Kagumaho,
KAMPALA
Police are investigating the case in which a former Updf officer was arrested with counterfeit dollars worth USD40,000.
ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police says the arrested was made following an actionable intelligence regarding the suspect.
He identified the suspect as Kenneth Nkurunugi, a resident of Buyanja Town Council, Buyanja subcounty in Rukungiri district and a former Updf officer who retired in 2008 at Bombo.
Police alleges that on October 12, in the evening, Nkurunugi was found with a small box containing counterfeit black dollars valued at USD 40,000.
The suspect who currently serves as a military trainer in Juba, South Sudan had returned to Uganda for a vacation on August 19, 2023, with plans to return to Juba on September 19, 2023, but extended his stay.
Upon arrest, he claimed that the package of counterfeit currency was intended to be transported to Juba through Classic Bus.
“I was contacted by Mr. Musa Adam, a resident of Juba, who instructed me to meet an unknown individual in town who would provide me with the package,” Nkurunugi told police
According to him, he met the stranger near Total Katwe, close to BMK House who gave him the sealed box before proceededy to Namayiba Bus Terminal to deliver a box.
While at the bus park, the suspect handed over the sealed box to Classic Bus staff, only known as Harriet, who acknowledged the package, and suspect departed.
“Subsequently, Kenneth was called back to retrieve the package, only to discover that it had been left behind. Police officers intervened, leading to his arrest,” said Owoyesigyire
“Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the money in the box was counterfeit black dollars with a total value of USD 40,000SD.”
Owoyesigyire said police are actively investigating the matter and will provide further details as investigation progresses.
