Kampala, Uganda — April 9, 2026 — Police in Katwe Division have arrested ten suspects believed to be part of an organised criminal gang behind a wave of violent robberies across the city.
The group is accused of carrying out attacks in Makindye, Kizungu in Salaama, Bunga, and Katwe, where victims were reportedly targeted for cash and mobile phones by assailants armed with pangas.
According to police, the breakthrough followed the arrest of a key suspect, Olwo Tom, earlier this week along Mubaraka Road in Makindye Division. He was found riding a motorcycle (registration number UMA 979 HA) and is said to have provided intelligence that led to further arrests.
Acting on the information, security teams conducted a pre-dawn operation on April 8 in Kapeeke Zone, Kibuye I Parish, resulting in the arrest of nine additional suspects. Among those detained are Bogere Latif and Turyahirwa Ivan.
Police recovered four motorcycles believed to have been used in the robberies, with investigators suspecting that some of the bikes were stolen and used to facilitate quick getaways after attacks.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects were involved in multiple incidents, including the theft of Shs350,000 from a vehicle in Kizungu and a series of mobile phone snatching cases along Salaama Road. One suspected stolen phone was recovered during the operation.
Authorities believe the gang had been operating for some time, exploiting busy urban areas and relying on speed and coordination to evade capture.
All suspects remain in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court upon completion of investigations.
Police say operations against violent crime will continue, urging the public to stay alert and report suspicious individuals to security agencies.
