KAMPALA, Uganda — Police in Kira Division have arrested a suspect and impounded a taxi believed to have been used in a string of robberies targeting passengers across the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The suspect, identified as Muwonge Isma, 47, a resident of Kyengera, is currently in police custody as investigations continue into a series of thefts allegedly committed using a white taxi, registration number UAW 401G.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala, the vehicle came under police scrutiny following multiple complaints from victims who reported being robbed while travelling in the taxi.
One of the incidents was reported on June 11, 2026, when a 20-year-old student from Bulabira allegedly lost his Samsung Note 10 mobile phone after boarding the taxi at Najeera while travelling to Kampala city centre.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim was seated in the front passenger seat when the conductor allegedly informed him that the door was not properly closed. He was then ordered to exit the vehicle.
Shortly after getting out, the victim discovered that his mobile phone had been stolen by individuals inside the same taxi.
Police investigations further revealed a similar incident that occurred on May 27, 2026, at around 7:00 a.m., when a female resident of Bukoto was reportedly robbed of her mobile phone and other valuables along the Northern Bypass in Kyebando.
Investigators established that the same vehicle, registration number UAW 401G, was allegedly involved in both incidents.
Acting on intelligence, police officers spotted the suspect vehicle in the Namugongo area on June 12, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m.
When officers attempted to stop the taxi, the driver allegedly ignored police instructions and sped off, prompting a chase.
“A pursuit ensued, and the vehicle was successfully intercepted along the Northern Bypass and subsequently impounded,” police said.
A search conducted on the vehicle led to the recovery of a panga and a large stone, which police have retained as exhibits to support ongoing investigations.
Authorities believe the taxi may have been used in additional robberies within Kampala and surrounding areas and are now working to identify other suspects who may have been part of the criminal network.
Police have appealed to members of the public who may have fallen victim to similar incidents involving the vehicle to come forward and assist with investigations.
Investigations remain ongoing as detectives seek to establish the full extent of the suspects’ activities and apprehend accomplices who are still at large.