BUSIA — Police in Busia District have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with a burglary and theft case after a police sniffer dog traced a scent trail from the crime scene directly to his residence.
The suspect, identified as Mulyakyami Banuli, a scrap collector and resident of Abocet Village in Sikuda Sub-county, was arrested on May 29, 2026, following a burglary reported at around midday in the same area.
According to police, the complainant reported that unknown individuals broke into his home while he was away by digging behind the house and forcing entry through a door. The intruders allegedly stole a mobile phone, camera, laptop, cash and other valuables worth millions of shillings.
After discovering the break-in, the victim reported the matter to police and requested the deployment of a sniffer dog to help trace the suspects.
Police said the dog was introduced at the scene by its handler and immediately picked up a human scent. The dog reportedly trailed the scent for about 800 metres to a junction before confidently taking a left turn and continuing for another 200 metres, eventually leading officers to Banuli’s residence.
Upon arrival, officers found the suspect inside his house playing loud music and dancing alone while using a newly acquired woofer believed to be part of the stolen property.
He was immediately arrested.
A search conducted at the residence led to the recovery of a bundle of cash amounting to UGX 4.6 million hidden under a bed. Police also recovered additional money from the suspect, bringing the total amount recovered to UGX 4,889,100.
Investigators are working to establish whether the recovered cash and other items are linked to the burglary.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Police have praised the effectiveness of the sniffer dog unit in tracking suspects and recovering stolen property, urging members of the public to promptly report crimes to facilitate timely investigations.
