Police in Wamala Region have confirmed the recovery of a missing rifle that had caused fear and concern among residents of Mityana and surrounding areas. The firearm, which had been reported missing in May 2026, was later discovered in a surprising place—hidden in bean husks in Kikandwa village, Kassanda District.
According to police reports, the rifle with serial number UG PSO – 564211567/15036 disappeared on 20 May 2026 while in the hands of a private security guard, Baluku Anderson, who was working with Neptune Guards Ltd. On that day, he had been deployed at Shrida Investment Ltd in Kiwesa Cell, South Ward of Ttamu Division. After the gun went missing, police arrested him, and he has since been remanded as investigations continued.
Days later, on 11 June 2026, a resident of Kikandwa village, Matovu Salim, went to his garden to collect bean husks for cooking purposes. While gathering the farm waste, he made a shocking discovery—an object wrapped in a black pair of trousers hidden inside the husks. Realizing it could be a gun, he quickly alerted his son, Sebakumba Erias, who also came to confirm the finding.
The matter was immediately reported to Kikandwa Police Station. Officers visited the scene, recorded statements from witnesses, and carefully recovered the weapon. The rifle was taken as an exhibit for further verification. After inspection, the serial number of the recovered firearm matched that of the missing police weapon, confirming that it was the same gun that had caused panic when it disappeared.
The recovery brought relief to residents who had been worried about the missing firearm and its possible dangers in the community. Police have now confirmed that the weapon is in safe custody.
However, investigations are still ongoing to establish how the rifle moved from Mityana, where it was last seen, to a garden in Kassanda District. Authorities are also looking into possible negligence or criminal involvement in the chain of events that led to the loss and discovery of the weapon.
Police spokesperson for Wamala Region, SSP L. Kigozi, reassured the public that the situation is under control and that further updates will be shared as investigations continue.
