Police in Kampala have dismantled a suspected violent robbery gang that had been terrorising residents across Makindye Division and surrounding areas, in a coordinated security operation conducted this week.
According to a statement by Uganda Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the gang had been operating in Makindye, Kizungu (Salaama), Bunga, and Katwe, carrying out attacks using pangas and motorcycles to target unsuspecting members of the public.
The operation followed the arrest of a key suspect on April 5, 2026. The suspect, identified as Olwo alias Tom, was intercepted along Mubaraka Road in Makindye while riding a motorcycle.
Police said he later confessed to being part of an organised criminal network involved in a string of robberies in the area.
Acting on intelligence obtained from the suspect, police conducted a targeted early morning raid on April 8 at around 5:00am in Kapeeke Zone, Kibuye I Parish.
The operation resulted in the arrest of nine additional suspects, including Bogere Latif alias Musoga and Turyahirwa Ivan alias Musiramu.
During the raid, officers recovered four motorcycles believed to have been used in carrying out the robberies.
Investigators indicated that some of the motorcycles are suspected to have been stolen and were being used to facilitate quick escape after attacks.
Police further revealed that the suspects confessed to multiple incidents, including the theft of UGX 350,000 from a motor vehicle in Kizungu Zone, Salaama Parish.
The group is also linked to several mobile phone snatching cases along Salaama Road. One suspected stolen phone was recovered during the operation.
Preliminary investigations suggest the gang had been operating for a considerable period, targeting cash and electronic devices, particularly in busy urban areas.
All suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court upon completion of investigations. Police say operations against criminal gangs in Kampala remain ongoing as part of broader efforts to enhance public safety.