Two persons were arrested and convicted for illegal possession of firearms in Kisoro area.
The case dates back to August 12, 2023, when an intelligence report led authorities to arrest Congolese residents Sadiki Gashtoure, 29, of the village of Kalambo, Bunagana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and 32, of the village of Gatete The resident Sylvani Uwirangiye is located in Rwaramba Parish, Nyakinama County, Kisoro District.
The arrests took place at around 8:00 pm when Sadiki Gashendure was trying to cross the Bunyangaro Nyabwishenya Kisoro border from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and was caught with two grenades. Upon enquiry, Gashendure revealed an SMG rifle in the possession of Silvani Uwiragiye.
Based on this information, law enforcement officers successfully recovered the SMG rifle, marked “SMG Rifle No. 1.” 56×20019268”, as well as a shocking 64 rounds of live ammunition. These dangerous items were buried in a banana plantation near Uvilanghier’s residence in Gatet.
The accused, Silvani Uwiragiye and Sadiki Gashendure, both faced charges at the Kisoro District Court on Friday, September 15, 2023. Surprisingly, both suspects admitted to the charges against them.
In a swift legal proceeding, the court sentenced Uwiragiye and Gasendure to six years in prison for illegal possession of firearms.
Kigezi District Public Relations Officer ASP Maate Elly commented on the success of the operation.
“This case highlights the commitment of our law enforcement agencies to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The convictions of these two individuals send a strong message that illegal firearm possession will not be tolerated and those found guilty will face consequences ,”He said.
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