Police officer remanded over theft of building materials

Makindye Chief Magistrate’s court has remanded Superintendent of Police (SP) Avito Begira over the alleged theft of construction materials worth more than Shs 16 million.

Begira, a human resource officer attached to Wamala Region and resident of Lunya Zone, Makindye Ssabagabo in Wakiso district, appeared before grade one magistrate Igga Adiru and was charged with a single count of theft.

He denied the charges. Prosecution told the court that on February 10, 2023, at Kanaaba Zone in Makindye Ssabagabo, Begira allegedly stole 380 iron sheets, 250 poles, 15 bags of cement, a gate, 20 kilograms of nails, two spades, two hammers and two pit saws—all valued at Shs 16.6 million.

The materials reportedly belonged to one Kato Bumali. Begira was arrested by fellow police officers working with detectives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit led by Brig Henry Isoke.

The arrest followed a complaint from Kato, who is said to be involved in a land dispute with Begira in Ndejje. Investigators allege that after Kato delivered the construction materials to the disputed site, Begira hired goons and some police officers to remove the items.

The Anti-Corruption Unit said Begira had been summoned several times by his superiors to respond to the accusations but failed to appear. Begira was remanded until June 19, 2025, as investigations continue.