MP SSEGGONA LOSES SH118M TO CAR WASHERS

Member of Parliament, Medard Lubega Sseggona, fell victim to theft at the hands of car washers, losing a staggering sum of Sh118 million.

The incident unfolded when Sseggona, also the chairperson of the committee on commissions, statutory authorities, and state enterprises (COSASE), took his vehicle for a routine wash at a facility near the Catholic cathedral in Rubaga, Kampala.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango revealed that three individuals, identified as Jordan Axtime, Emmanuel Migadde, and John Vianney Kibaale, have been apprehended in connection to the theft. However, additional suspects linked to the crime remain at large.

Upon investigation, detectives from Nateete Police Station conducted searches at the suspects' residences located in Wankolokolo-Kinaawa along Nakawuka road in Kyengera town council, Wakiso district. During the search, authorities managed to recover a portion of the stolen money amounting to Sh35 million.

"We recovered Sh35 million, and the suspects claim they took more," stated Onyango.

According to reports, Sseggona had left his vehicle at the washing bay, where the alleged theft occurred as the car washers purportedly made away with the substantial amount of cash while cleaning the car.

During the search operation at the suspects' homes, local residents witnessed the dramatic recovery of money hidden in a ceiling of one of the rented rooms. Edward Lutaaya, the area chairperson, urged the youth to steer away from criminal activities and focus on legitimate endeavors.

Tensions ran high as the arrested individuals reportedly pointed fingers at each other, each claiming innocence regarding the exact amount taken. Police continue to investigate reports suggesting that some of the stolen funds were transferred to different locations.

When reached for comment, Sseggona expressed reluctance for the story to be published, citing personal challenges. "I do not want that story in the newspaper. Do that for me," the legislator appealed.

This incident of theft comes amidst a backdrop of rising crime rates, as indicated in the recently released 2025 annual crime report. The report highlighted thefts of various forms, with general thefts totaling 31,262 cases, followed by common assault (23,822), domestic violence (14,681), obtaining by false pretenses (10,709), and threatening violence and cattle thefts (8,422).

Notably, this high-profile theft involving Sseggona echoes a similar event from months prior. In that instance, twelve individuals, including three police officers, allegedly stole an undisclosed sum of money from the residence of National Resistance Movement (NRM) national treasurer, Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo.

The accused, including the three officers assigned to guard Oundo's home, have been remanded over the robbery. Prosecutors have alleged that on December 5, 2023, the accused, armed with guns, unlawfully took money from Oundo's residence.

Among the civilians implicated in the theft are Arinda, also known as Wa 26, residing in Kitumba, Fort Portal, Kabarole district; Josh La 28, a boda boda rider from Makerere, Kampala; and Im Basooma, 32, hailing from Bodong, Namutumba district.

The group faced charges before Makindye Grade One Magistrate, Charles Onen, including robbery contrary to Section 285 and 286 of the Penal Code Act. The police constables involved were identified as Michael Wangusi, Dominic Idro, and Sharif Mugoya, all serving under the Very Important Person Protection department.