Police have handed over Rwf250,000 and Ush3 million (about Rwf 750,000) to a Ugandan businessman, after it was recovered from a suspected thief who had crossed into Rwanda through the Kagitumba border post.

The suspect, identified as Fred Byamukama, was tracked and arrested on Monday in Rwemiyaga Sector of Nyagatare District, after exchange of information and collaboration between Rwanda and Uganda Police forces.

 The money was recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest, police say.

 RNP handed over the money to its legitimate owner on June 19 at the Police headquarters in Kacyiru in the presence of Uganda’s Police Assistant Commissioner, Patrick Lawot.

 The Ugandan businessman, only identified as Wycliffe, expressed surprise upon learning that his money was recovered, after having given up on the search for it.

 "The suspect is a person I know very well. On June 8, I gave him Ush4 million in advance to purchase beans, but instead, he disappeared with the money and switched his phone off. All attempts to reach him were futile and that is when I realised I had been robbed,” Wycliff narrated to journalists.

 "I reported the case to Uganda Police and, days later, I was told that the thief had been arrested in Rwanda. Today, they have given me back my money and I am very grateful to Rwanda National Police for its efficiency and collaboration with Uganda,” he added.

 Police Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Celestin Twahirwa, noted that the successful operation is a sign of security and safety for people from both Rwanda and Uganda, due to the "fruitful cooperation between the two police forces.”

 "We received information from our counterparts in Uganda that a suspected thief is likely to cross into Rwanda after running away with Ush4 million. Tight surveillance at the border ensured that the man was tracked and successfully apprehended as he reached Nyagatare,” CSP Twahirwa said.

 "This is not the first time Rwanda and Uganda have cooperated to apprehend suspects and return belongings to their legitimate owners. This partnership has boosted the trust and confidence of the people and business community of both countries (in the police forces).”

 "Just like the criminals who were apprehended previously as they attempted to cross the border, this suspect also thought that he would elude justice. Uganda and Rwanda have built strong cooperation and these are fruits of that partnership,” Assistant Commissioner Lawot said.

 "Whenever we have a suspect, we instantly share the information with RNP and trust that they will do their work efficiently and professionally.”

 In January, this year, RNP also handed over Rwf500,000 to Ugandan authorities, after it was recovered from a suspected thief who had crossed to Rwanda where he was arrested.

 Last December, RNP also handed over Rwf8 million to a Ugandan businessman which had been stolen from him in Kabale, south-western Uganda and wired to Rwanda.