Police in Mityana District are holding three family members, including a 26-year-old Kampala resident, following a late-night robbery spree in Kakindu Sub-county where suspects allegedly used stolen Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) uniforms to intimidate victims.
The prime suspect, identified as Wilberforce Nzabashaija, a resident of Kiriri in Makindye Division, Kampala, was apprehended by vigilant residents of Kiwoya Bweza Village on the night of August 1.
Police say Nzabashaija had traveled to Mityana earlier that day carrying a suitcase containing military gear, which he had allegedly stolen from a serving army officer in Kampala weeks earlier.
A midnight spree
According to Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi, Nzabashaija donned the military fatigue during the night and teamed up with his brother, Fredrick Kusasira, to strike multiple homes while armed with a knife, pliers, and a screwdriver.
The suspects reportedly first broke into the residence of a local woman identified only as Ms. Namatta, stealing a bicycle. They then proceeded to target the homes of Mr. Ntegeyo and Ms. Teopista Nakiwala, where they allegedly threatened occupants with violence while demanding cash.
“The victims raised an alarm, prompting residents to pursue the suspects. Members of the public apprehended Nzabashaija and recovered two pairs of military uniforms, a knife, pliers, and a screwdriver before handing him over to officers at Kakindu Police Station,” SSP Kigozi said.
The village chairperson, Mr. Sabiiti Kirudde, formally reported the incident to the authorities.
Police subsequently arrested Kusasira for his alleged involvement in the break-ins, alongside the duo’s mother, who investigators claim attempted to obstruct officers during the arrest.
Stolen military gear and illegal roadblocks
During interrogation by detectives from Mityana Police and the Regional Flying Squad Unit, Nzabashaija allegedly confessed to breaking into the Kampala home of a serving UPDF officer in mid-July, where he stole two pairs of military uniforms, a sweater, a military bag, and a mattress.
Investigators reveal that after an earlier robbery attempt in Kampala yielded no money, the suspect relocated to his mother’s home in Mityana, intending to use the army attire to carry out aggravated robberies and set up illegal roadblocks in the area.
Efforts are currently underway to recover the remaining missing military property.
Growing concern over military impersonation
The incident highlights a persistent challenge for Ugandan security agencies regarding the illegal acquisition and misuse of official military fatigues by criminal syndicates. Impersonators wearing UPDF uniforms have increasingly been linked to highway robberies, illegal checkpoints, and violent home invasions across the central region.
Police praised the local community for handling the situation lawfully despite the fear caused by armed break-ins.
‘We commend the vigilance and restraint exhibited by the residents of Kiwoya Bweza, who responded promptly to the victims’ alarm and handed the suspects over to police instead of resorting to mob justice,’ SSP Kigozi added.
Police confirmed that investigations are nearing completion, after which the case file will be forwarded to the Resident State Attorney in Mityana for legal guidance and sanctioning of appropriate charges, including aggravated robbery and illegal possession of government stores.