By Eumu Emmanuel
Lira City Central Police officers have arrested two individuals accused of stealing UGX 10,600,000 from Mary Judith Alip, a 59-year-old accountant with Lango Cooperative Union. The suspects are believed to have engaged in a series of fraudulent transactions from several banks and automated teller machines (ATMs).
According to SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Region’s Police Public Relations Officer, the incident occurred on September 15, 2024. At around 8:30 am, Mary Judith Alip attempted to withdraw funds using her VISA ATM card at a Housing Finance Bank ATM, but the transaction failed due to network issues. She then tried the Stanbic Bank ATM, but again faced similar problems.
Upon returning home, Alip used the Housing Finance Bank App to check her account balance and discovered a UGX 4,000,000 discrepancy. Concerned, she promptly contacted the bank’s customer service, who initially suggested that the issue might be due to network problems. However, later that day at 12:09 pm, Alip received notifications regarding unauthorized withdrawals from her account. UGX 2,000,000 had been withdrawn at 9:09 am from the Housing Finance Bank ATM, followed by another UGX 2,000,000 from Stanbic Bank at 9:11 am. Subsequently, a further UGX 6,600,000 was withdrawn from a Centenary Bank ATM at Shell Gulu City around 12:09 pm, bringing the total amount stolen to UGX 10,600,000.
Alip, a resident of Junior Quarters “A” Cell, Adyel Ward in Lira City West Division, reported the theft to Lira City Central Police Station. Her relative, Isablda Alip, a 33-year-old resident of Junior Quarters, also provided a statement to assist with the investigation.
SP Okema confirmed that witness statements were recorded, key documents were gathered, and the suspects’ mobile phones were seized for further investigation. In addition, the police are reviewing CCTV footage, examining ATM cards, and pursuing additional suspects connected to the crime.
The two arrested suspects are Ongora Peter, a 35-year-old businessman from Jinja Camp “A” Cell, Central Ward in Lira City West Division, and Rubangakene Innocent, a 28-year-old boda boda rider from Gangdyang Cell, Kitgum District. Their case file will be sent to the Resident City State Attorney for review and legal counsel.
“We urge anyone who believes they may have been affected by similar incidents to come forward and assist with the investigation,” said SP Okema, encouraging the public to cooperate with the police as they continue to track down other individuals involved in the ATM fraud.
