Two arrested over Shs3m armed robbery from mobile money agent

Entebbe, (UG):- The Territorial Police in Kampala Metropolitan South has arrested and charged to court two suspects over the alleged theft of Shs 3 million at gunpoint from a mobile money agent in Bwebajja, Wakiso District.

The incident, police say happened on 6th June 2024, at around 11 pm, when the victim identified as Mbadiremu Maria, a 28-year-old, mobile money dealer and shop owner, in Bwebajja cell was attacked and robbed, by a thug armed with a pistol.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim was approached by a customer friend, Bugaya Edrine, aged 20, who wanted to withdraw mobile money, but in actual sense had conspired with the thug on the mission.

“During the transaction, at around 11 pm, a robber, armed with a pistol, attacked and robbed approximately Ugx 3m from the victim. She, however, managed to positively identify the armed robber, as a friend to the customer, Bugaya Edrine and suspected foul play” Police Spokesperson, SCP Fred Enanga said while addressing journalists at Naguru headquarters in Kampala.

“She raised an alarm and also the police counter number, at Bwebajja CPS,” Enanga added.

The response team was able to establish how Bugaya had conspired with Bahati Kisekka, the armed suspect, who was also arrested that night, and so far, a recovery of Sh1.5m and mobile phones has been successful as investigations proceed into the case.

“Exhibits of evidential value that include; an unmarked pistol without a magazine, Ugx 1.5m, a black jumper, hood, face masks, and mobile phones with supporting messages, were all recovered, from their known premises, at Nadia Excel Recruitment Ltd, which is rented by Aisha Nanyonga,” Enanga stated.

Further investigations proved that the pistol used in the robbery was smuggled from South Sudan, by one Kiseka Bahati, 27, to facilitate their criminal enterprise.

The Police Spokesperson commended Ms Mbadiremu for alerting the Bwebajja Police station by calling the counter phone, a strategy designed to enable quick police response to incidents.

“We urge the public to make use of the Counter numbers at the nearest police station or post. The system works 24/7,” he said.

“The arrest of the suspects and recovery of exhibits show our level of commitment and dedication in the fight against violent armed criminals. The suspects were charged to court for being in possession of an illegal firearm, robbery and related conspiracies.”