Police on Tuesday said they have arrested five suspects in connection with a string of aggravated robberies in the Kampala Metropolitan Policing Area, recovering three firearms in a major crackdown on organized urban crime.
The suspects, identified by Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Ms Racheal Kawala as discharged former army personnel Robinson Amutuhaire; Daniel Okello, a security guard at Fortebet Company; Arafat Kasango; Joseph Luyirika Innocent; and Daniel Alphonse, were apprehended during an operation between January 24 and 27, 2026, in Kiti A Zone, Kirinya Parish, Bweyogerere Division, Wakiso District.
‘During the operation, police recovered three guns and three magazines, along with other exhibits,’ Ms Kawala told reporters.
Authorities say the suspects are linked to a series of violent attacks targeting commuters and businesses in Kampala, including ‘boda boda’ (motorcycle taxi) riders ambushing motorists in traffic jams, break-ins at residential homes, illegal roadblocks, and smashing car windows to rob passengers.
Police further revealed that the suspects confessed to involvement in the murder of ASP Emmanuel Bagenda, Officer-in-Charge of Ntawo, Mukono Central Division, Mukono District.
Bagenda was shot dead on November 23, 2025, around 10:00 a.m. while patrolling Ntawo-Nyenje Road in Ntawo Cell, responding to an armed robbery incident.
Ms Kawala said the suspects also admitted to participating in numerous aggravated robberies, including mobile money heists across Kampala.
Law enforcement officials warn that criminal tactics have grown more sophisticated. Instead of opportunistic crimes, networks are now using coordinated strategies, exploiting urban security loopholes, and leveraging technology to evade police detection.
‘The rise in financially motivated and organized crime is particularly alarming, as criminal networks refine their methods to avoid detection,’ police officials said.
Investigators noted that the gangs often operate from isolated black spots, using them both as launch points for attacks and as escape routes.
Data from Uganda Police’s annual crime report for 2024 indicates that robbery cases increased by five percent, from 7,772 in 2023 to 8,163 in 2024.
Armed robberies targeting businesses and travelers have become increasingly sophisticated, highlighting a growing challenge for law enforcement in Kampala’s metropolitan area.
Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities while continuing to invest in preventive measures, including strategic patrols and community policing initiatives.