Jinja, Uganda: Police in Jinja have arrested two Kenyan nationals while pursuing two others still on the run following an attempted robbery targeting at least Shs46 million from a city businessman on Monday night.
The suspects allegedly trailed Sheikh Shafic Edirisa Songole from a bank before attempting to break into his parked vehicle, a Toyota Harrier (registration UBF 715B), along Spire Road in Jinja City while he had stepped away for prayers.
According to Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson SP James Mubi, the suspects’ plan was foiled after vigilant members of the public noticed strangers tampering with the vehicle and quickly alerted authorities.
Police responded swiftly to the scene, firing warning shots in the air before cordoning off the area and arresting two of the suspects, identified as Irene Kananu, 42, and Nanis Kaguri, 38, both Kenyan nationals.
“The four suspected Kenyan nationals trailed the victim from the bank where he had conducted transactions to Spire Road in Jinja City,” SP Mubi said, adding that the suspects were targeting money and other valuables in the vehicle.
Upon arrest at Jinja Central Police Station, the two suspects reportedly made voluntary confessions and provided information pointing to a wider criminal scheme involving planned robberies across eastern Uganda.
Police say CCTV analysis has linked the suspects to multiple robbery incidents in the region, with investigations ongoing to track down their accomplices who remain at large.
“CCTV footage reveals that the suspects in custody, together with others still on the run, have been involved in numerous robberies and thefts in the eastern region,” Mubi added.
The attempted robbery comes amid growing concern over organised criminal groups targeting individuals withdrawing large sums of money from banks, a pattern repeatedly flagged in the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025.
Residents have commended Kiira Regional Police Commander SSP Charles Nsaba for intensified security operations, including day and night motorcycle patrols, which have strengthened response to crime in Jinja.
Police say investigations are ongoing, with a focus on apprehending the remaining suspects and dismantling the wider criminal network.
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