Chinese national held over sale of military equipment

CRIME | Jin Yungung might argue he was only deal in low-grade items or 'Chinese' as they are popularly known, but law is seeking to dig deeper into how he came to sell military items similar to that of the Ugandan national army.

The 33-year-old Chinese national was yesterday arrested from his residence in Ganda, Nansana Municipality in Wakiso District where he was operating a retail store that dealt in replica military gear.

In a statement, the Kampala Metropolitan North said Mr Jin was on Friday, May 3, found operating a shop involved in the illegal sale of government property, specifically army uniforms, shoes, and gloves.

"During the operation, significant quantities of military equipment were seized from Mr Jin's premises, including uniforms resembling those of the UPDF and SFC," Kampala Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Mr Luke Owoyesigyire, the KMP spokesperson, said investigations revealed that Mr Jin's collaboration with an individual known only as Frank, purportedly affiliated with the Special Forces Command (SFC), who provided both the business idea and financing.

"Mr Jin admitted that some uniforms were sourced from Somalia through Frank, who transported them to Nansana for distribution," Owoyesigyire said.

The UPDF Act subjects every person found in unlawful possession of arms, ammunition, equipment and other prescribed classified stores ordinarily being the monopoly of the army to the military law.

The Act, under Section 164, prohibits the unauthorised sale or wearing of military uniforms with a penalty of seven years imprisonment on conviction.

While processing the foreign suspect, Police said it was also discovered that he entered Uganda as a tourist, renewing his visa periodically by traveling to neighbouring countries.

Mr Jin is currently detained at Kawempe Police Station pending further interrogation, along with efforts to locate and question Frank, Police said.