Kampala, Uganda: Police in Kampala have arrested six suspects over a series of alleged panga-wielding robberies targeting residents in Kabowa and surrounding areas within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala, the arrests followed a robbery reported on June 29, 2026, involving a businessman from Kabowa.
Police said the victim, accompanied by his sister, was travelling to Kironde Zone, Ndeeba Parish, to purchase food when they were intercepted by two men riding motorcycles and armed with pangas.
The assailants allegedly assaulted the two before stealing a handbag, a mobile phone, and an unspecified amount of cash.
With the help of first responders and members of the public, one of the suspects was arrested at the scene and identified as Mutyaba Nasir.
Police said information obtained during his interrogation led detectives to five other suspects believed to be part of the same criminal group.
The additional suspects were identified as Musinguzi Herbert, Kalyango Patrick, Talemwa Owen, Kyeyune Ronald, and Mwase Ivan.
The suspects are being held at Katwe Police Division as detectives investigate their possible involvement in several aggravated robbery cases reported in Rubaga Division and neighbouring areas.
Police also recovered and impounded two motorcycles, registration numbers UMA 281KD and UMA 359EV, which investigators believe were used to transport the suspects during the robberies.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects operate as boda boda riders attached to Bakiga Boda Boda Stage and Gavan Boda Boda Stage in Kabowa.
SP Kawala said detectives are now investigating whether the six suspects are linked to other panga-wielding robberies reported across the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Police are also working to trace additional victims and recover property believed to have been stolen during previous attacks.
“The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue. Police are working to establish whether they are linked to other similar aggravated robbery cases reported across the Kampala Metropolitan Area. Efforts are also underway to identify additional victims and recover stolen property,” Kawala said.
She commended members of the public whose swift response helped police arrest the first suspect, saying community cooperation remains critical in combating violent crime.
Kawala urged residents to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious persons and activities, and continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to improve security within their communities.
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