Police Arrest Three Over Mbarara Shop Break-In

[Archival Sense]

Police in Mbarara District have arrested three men suspected of breaking into a newly stocked shop and making away with merchandise barely 30 minutes after the owner had locked up.
The suspects have been identified as Ahimbitsibwe Joseph, 28, Tumwiine John, approximately 35, and Muhwezi Robert.

The incident occurred on August 11, 2026, in Mushunga Cell, Kabwesanga Ward, Rubindi-Ruhumba Town Council.
According to police, the complainant had rented a house at Kabwesanga Trading Centre and stocked it with various items in preparation for opening a shop. After arranging the merchandise, he locked the premises at around midnight and briefly left for a nearby hotel to get something to eat.

When he returned about 30 minutes later, he found the shop empty, with all the items he had purchased reportedly stolen.
He reported the matter at Rubindi Police Station early the following morning, August 12, prompting detectives to deploy the Police K9 Unit.

Police dog Nana was brought to the scene and picked up a human scent. The dog followed the trail for about 800 metres before leading officers to a house occupied by Ankunda Mutetsi, a local bar operator.
During questioning, Mutetsi provided information that investigators said helped them identify the three suspects.

Police later traced Ahimbitsibwe to his residence, where a search reportedly led to the recovery of several shop items. The complainant positively identified the recovered property as part of the merchandise stolen from his premises.
During interrogation, Ahimbitsibwe allegedly admitted participating in the theft with two accomplices. Police subsequently arrested Tumwiine and Muhwezi, who also allegedly confessed to taking part in the break-in.

The three suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, while detectives work to recover the remaining stolen property.