Kampala, Uganda: Police in Kampala have arrested a suspected robber believed to be part of a criminal group that trails bank customers to rob them using motorcycles, following a foiled robbery attempt in Najeera on Friday afternoon.
The suspect, identified as Wagaba Hussen, 27, a resident of Kayunga in Wakiso District, was arrested on March 6, 2026, after allegedly attempting to steal Shs21 million from a woman who had just withdrawn the cash from a bank in Ntinda.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the suspect and an accomplice had reportedly tracked the victim from the bank before launching the attack moments later.
Police said the victim, Nakawombe Deborah, 27, had withdrawn Shs21 million from a bank branch in Ntinda before hiring a boda boda rider to take her home to Buwaate.
Unbeknownst to her, suspected criminals had reportedly followed her movements after she left the banking hall.
When the boda boda reached Najeera, a few metres from the police station opposite Stabex fuel station, another motorcycle carrying two suspects approached at high speed. A passenger on the approaching motorcycle quickly stretched out and grabbed Deborah’s bag containing the money before attempting to flee.
However, the robbery attempt quickly collapsed when the victim raised an alarm, attracting attention from people nearby and alerting police officers who were stationed close to the scene.
“The victim raised an alarm, prompting police officers nearby to respond immediately. One suspect who was riding the motorcycle managed to escape due to heavy traffic, which made it unsafe for officers to engage. However, the suspect who grabbed the bag was arrested, and the UGX 21 million was recovered,” ASP Owoyesigyire said.
Police authorities said the quick reaction by both the victim and nearby officers prevented what could have been a successful robbery targeting a bank customer.
Such attacks, commonly referred to as “bank tracking robberies,” have increasingly involved criminals trailing victims shortly after withdrawing large sums of money.
Mr Owoyesigyire said the arrested suspect is currently being held at Najeera Police Station as investigations continue, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest the accomplice who managed to escape during the incident.
He added that investigators are also working to dismantle criminal groups that target bank customers across Kampala and surrounding areas.
Police have since urged members of the public to remain vigilant, especially after withdrawing large amounts of money, and to report suspicious movements around banks and busy commercial centres.
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