Busia Chairperson remanded over vehicle parts theft

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Busia district Chairperson Stephen Mugeni Wasike was on Thursday, May 1, 2025, charged before the Busia Chief Magistrate Court with theft of motor vehicle parts and remanded to prison till May 8, 2025.

Mugeni was arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working together with the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).

According to SHACU, Mugeni, on March 8, while at Busia District Local Government parking yard in Busia District, allegedly stole motor vehicle parts including, an engine number IKD7935278 and a gearbox from motor vehicle registration number UAK 827Z Toyota Hilux double Cabin, property of Busia District Government Local valued at approximately sh30m.

Mugeni is not the first district chairman to be charged with theft of vehicle parts.

In 2021, former LCV Chairman of Amudat District, Francis Kiyonga Adamson, was arrested and charged with the theft of a double-cabin pick-up truck, registration number UG 0654, valued at sh130m

In June last year, the Grade One Magistrates’ Court in Matugga sentenced Kiyonga to 23 months and 14 days in jail for stealing and selling a government vehicle in spare parts.

The court also imposed an additional fine of sh80m, which Kiyonga was ordered to pay to Amudat District within six months of completing his custodial sentence.

The theft took place while the vehicle was in custody at Matugga Police Station. During the sentencing, Magistrate Grace Nambozo emphasised the severity of Kiyonga's actions, highlighting the breach of public trust and the impact on development programs in the region.

"Kiyonga’s actions were not just a theft of a vehicle but a theft from the youth of Amudat District who relied on the Youth Livelihood Programme for their development," Nambozo stated.