Chinese national arrested over selling military gear, SFC commando involved

Police in Kampala Metropolitan have arrested Jin Yungung, a Chinese national for being in illegal possession and sale of military wear similar to that of UPDF, Uganda’s national army.

Jin, 33, a resident of Ganda in Nansana Municipality – Wakiso District was arrested on Friday, May 3, after he was found operating a shop involved in the illegal sale of government property, specifically army uniforms, shoes, and gloves.

“The territorial Police at Kampala Metropolitan North carried out a coordinated intelligence-led operation on the 3rd May 2024, that resulted in the apprehension of a Chinese national, JIN YUNGUNG, aged 33, residing in Ganda, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso,” Mr Owoyesigyire Luke, the KMP Deputy Spokesperson said in a Monday police statement.

“Mr. YUNGUNG was found operating a shop involved in the illegal sale of government property, specifically army uniforms, shoes, and gloves. His shop, located at Kasaga Shop No.14, was targeted following intelligence reports,” he added.

During the operation, Owoyesigyire says significant quantities of military equipment were seized from Mr Jin’s premises, including uniforms resembling those of the UPDF and SFC.

Further investigations revealed 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.

Furthermore, Police said it was also discovered that he entered Uganda as a tourist, renewing his visa periodically by travelling 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.

The UPDF Act abjects a 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.

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