KAMPALA . At least 21 youth are behind bars after being filmed maiming and robbing people on the streets of Kampala.
The suspects were putting on ruling National Resistance Movement T-shirts with President Museveni’s portrait.
The viral videos, which have attracted condemnation from both opposition leaders and a section of NRM supporters, were recorded on Saturday, June 28, afternoon, moments after President Museveni picked NRM party nomination forms to express his interest in running for another elective term as he seeks to extend his leadership to more than 40 years in next year’s general election.
The rowdy street gang, numbering in tens, is said to have been part of the group that had been mobilized by party officials to escort President Museveni, 80, to the party headquarters to pick expression of interest forms.
In one of the videos, the gang is seen robbing a female passerby and dragging her on the tarmac after she attempted to fight them off. Her person effects , including a mobile phone and a hand bag containing personal valuables, were snatched .
In another video, the gang is seen cornering a man and shouting, “We are the Bazukulu, we shall teach you a lesson….”
In a statement on Sunday Mr Patrick Onyango , the spokesperson of Kampala Metropolitan Police said two of the suspects in their detention are female.
“Police in Kampala have arrested 21 suspects, including two females, in connection with a string of robberies and assaults that occurred on June 28, 2025, around 2:00 p.m., along the National Theatre and UBC roundabout area. The suspects, disguised in yellow T-shirts, targeted people heading to Kyadondo to witness the nomination of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as well as motorists, businesspeople, and pedestrians,” he said .
Mr Onyango said police tracked and intercepted the suspects in various areas using CCTV footage.
“The arrested individuals are currently being held at CPS Kampala and Wandegeya Police Station. Victims have recorded statements, and the case file is being prepared for court. Police are investigating cases of simple robbery and assault.” he added.
Police are also reviewing CCTV footage to identify suspects involved in additional incidents.
“One suspect was injured while trying to flee and is receiving treatment.
Police urge anyone who was victimized ,but hasn’t reported to the police to come forward immediately,” he said.
The ruling NRM, which has been in power for nearly half a century under the leadership of President Museveni, is yet to issue an official statement.
However, the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership has condemned the attacks, claiming the same gangs were unleashed to cause chaos in the March 2025 Kawempe North by-election in which their candidate, Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, was declared winner before his victory was later successfully challenged in the courts of law by the NRM candidate, Faridah Nambi.
“While they quickly abduct and arrest our supporters whenever they’re seen on the streets, these gangs have the liberty to roam our streets committing crimes under the protection of the military and police. Commanded by Museveni’s enforcers Christopher Damulira and one Emma Kuteesa, these gangs have been beating up our supporters, removing posters of our candidates, and causing incredible mayhem.
This criminal enterprise was formed following the 2021 rigged election when Museveni tried to impose himself on the ghetto and our people rejected him flat. They resorted to recruiting poor, desperate youth whom they pay peanuts and send to terrorize citizens in the hope that they can force them into submission,” said NUP president Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, who recently picked party forms to challenge President Museveni for the second time.
Appearing on NTV over the weekend ,Mr Emmanuel Dombo , the NRM spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo said the gangs are not their supporters.
“NRM is not known for operating gangs. The NRM Bazukulu don’t behave like that. They could have been sent to infiltrate our group with their criminal intentions,”he said