Residents in Jinja City have expressed growing concern over organised criminal gangs targeting bank customers after police arrested a woman suspected of being part of a syndicate that allegedly trails victims withdrawing cash before stealing or conning them.
The suspect, identified as Mariam Bahati, was arrested and detained at the Kiira Regional Police headquarters as detectives investigate a string of incidents reported in Jinja and Kampala.
Police said they recovered a bag containing local herbs, suspected charms and foreign currencies during the operation.
Investigators believe the items may have been used by the group while carrying out its activities, although police have not yet disclosed whether any criminal charges have been formally filed against the suspect.
According to police and victims, members of the alleged gang monitor customers withdrawing money from banks before following them and exploiting moments of distraction to steal cash or valuables.
Ali Naika said her sister recently lost Shs1.6 million shortly after withdrawing the money from Opportunity Bank on Alice Muloki Road in Jinja.
‘She had just withdrawn money from the bank when she was approached and later realised the cash was missing,’ Ms Naika said.
Residents said the gang has been operating around Jinja’s main banking district along Alice Muloki Road, which hosts several financial institutions, including Opportunity Bank, DFCU Bank and Finance Trust Bank.
Witnesses and victims said the suspects typically operate in groups, with some members stationed near banking halls to identify potential targets while others follow victims after they leave the premises.
Police officers involved in the arrest said they recovered foreign currencies, including US dollars and Sudanese pounds, alongside the suspected charms.
Authorities said the suspect allegedly told investigators that the group had been operating in both Kampala and Jinja for an extended period, though police have not independently confirmed the claims.
Jinja Deputy Resident City Commissioner Paul Balidawa urged the public to exercise caution when conducting banking transactions.
‘Cases involving organised criminal gangs are increasing across the Busoga sub-region. People should avoid displaying money openly after withdrawals,’ Mr Balidawa said.
He called on banks, private security personnel and members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious individuals loitering around banking premises.
Police said investigations are continuing and efforts are underway to trace other suspects believed to be linked to the alleged network.
The arrest comes amid growing concerns over theft and fraud targeting bank customers in urban centres, where criminals often exploit surveillance gaps and victims’ movements after withdrawing cash.