Budaka, Uganda: Police in Bukedi North Region have launched investigations into a daring armed robbery after a gang disguised as passengers hijacked a taxi travelling from Mbale City to Kampala and robbed occupants of cash, phones, and other valuables before fleeing with the vehicle.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, June 8, 2026, along the Mbale-Tirinyi Highway in Budaka District, raising fresh concerns about security along one of eastern Uganda’s busiest transport corridors.
According to police, the taxi, registration number UBK 775H, had departed from Mbale City en route to Kampala when the journey turned into a nightmare for passengers shortly after 3:00 a.m.
Bukedi North Regional Police spokesperson ASP Wilfred Kyempasa said the robbery happened at about 3:20 a.m. in Sekulo Parish, Kadimukoli Sub-county.
Preliminary investigations indicate that one of the passengers seated in the co-driver’s seat suddenly pulled out a firearm and took control of the vehicle.
“It is alleged that a man seated in the co-driver’s seat, dressed in black clothes bearing a Ugandan flag on the shirt, pulled out a firearm and ordered fellow passengers to lie face down and surrender their phones, money and other belongings,” ASP Kyempasa said.
Police said the suspect was not acting alone.
Investigators believe two other men who had boarded the taxi as ordinary passengers immediately joined the armed suspect and began moving through the vehicle, threatening, assaulting, and robbing passengers.
The gang reportedly collected mobile phones, money, and other valuables before diverting the vehicle from its original route.
According to police findings, the suspects ordered the driver to leave the Mbale-Tirinyi Road and head towards Sekulo Parish along the Pallisa Road.
Upon reaching a secluded area, the gang reportedly forced the driver to stop the vehicle before ordering him and all passengers out.
The victims were then allegedly instructed to lie on the ground by the roadside as the assailants took full control of the taxi. “The four assailants drove away with the vehicle and all the stolen property to an unknown destination,” police said.
The incident was reported to Kamonkoli Police Station at around 5:12 a.m. by Mr. Fred Mutete, a 36-year-old banker and resident of Bukoto in Kampala, who was among the passengers robbed during the ordeal.
A team of officers led by the Officer-in-Charge of Kamonkoli Police Station, Sgt Joseph Oriokot, immediately responded and visited the scene to document evidence and commence investigations.
Police have since opened a case of aggravated robbery under CRB 058/2026.
Detectives are currently pursuing leads aimed at identifying and arresting the suspects, recovering the stolen taxi, and tracing the victims’ property.
The robbery adds to growing concerns over highway crime, particularly incidents involving criminals posing as passengers before targeting unsuspecting travellers during night journeys.
Security agencies have repeatedly advised passengers using public transport to remain vigilant, especially during overnight travel, and to report suspicious behaviour to drivers or authorities whenever possible.
Police have appealed to members of the public who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen vehicle or the identities of the suspects to come forward and assist investigators.
Anyone with relevant information has been urged to report to the nearest police station as investigations continue.
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