Rwampara police intercepted the vehicle that was stolen from the burial of businessman Apollo Nyegamehe, also known as Aponye in Kigo village, Rukiga district on Wednesday afternoon.
The stolen vehicle belongs to Kikungiri Archdeaconry, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Kigezi diocese.
According to the Rwampara District Police Commander, Steven Kamara, a Suzuki vehicle registration number UAT 478N had been reported stolen and they intercepted it at Kinoni trading center just as it was about to cross into Mbarara City.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Shamim Batariho, whose place of residence is currently unknown, was apprehended while driving the stolen vehicle. Kamara explained that the suspect, along with the recovered vehicle, has been handed over to the police in Muhanga.
The case has been registered at the Muhanga police station under vide SD14/12/07/2023.
Newton Muhanguzi, the Rwampara Deputy Resident District Commissioner, says that the interception took place around 11:00 PM Wednesday night after the Muhanga police alerted all stations along the Kabale-Mbarara Highway to be on high alert.
Muhanguzi added that the suspect and the recovered vehicle were handed over to the Rukiga Police in the presence of clergy from Kikugiri Archdeaconry Thursday afternoon.
Once investigations are concluded, the suspect will face charges of theft.