One Held Over Impersonation

Police is holding a man suspected of masquerading as a government operative in Masaka allegedly to spy on Allied Democratic Forces-ADF rebel collaborators. The suspect has been identified as Umar Bashir Kibirige, who claims to be attached to the Special Investigations Unit in Kireka. Kibirige was picked up by police on Thursday morning on a tip off from residents of Kyabakuza trading center after he brandished a pistol and threatened to arrest them.  

It is alleged that Kibirige has been masquerading as a government spy who was deployed in Masaka to track down Muslim leaders in Ssembabule and Lwengo district linked to ADF. However, after he was picked up, Kibirige didn't have any identification showing that he indeed a member of SIU. Noah Sserunjogi, the Southern regional Police spokesperson says that Kibirge has been operating as an operative of the Special Investigation Unit.

He says that the suspect masterminded the arrest of 4 Muslim leaders in Ssembabule district on November 22, 2012 for their alleged involvement with the ADF rebels. They are Hajji Rashid Musa, Hajji Haruna Sekitoreko, Hajji Muzamir Serwanga and Hajji Rashid Musoke. The suspects were picked up from Lwabaana village but were released on police bond. He says that Kibirige will be charged with impersonation despite the fact that investigations are ongoing.