By Sulaiman Kauki
KAMPALA — Police in Kampala have arrested six men suspected of involvement in a series of violent robberies carried out using machetes in parts of the city, particularly in the western suburbs.
The suspects are currently detained at Katwe Police Division as investigators probe their possible connection to several aggravated robbery incidents reported across the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango, the arrests stem from investigations into a robbery that occurred on June 29 in Kabowa, Rubaga Division.
Police reports indicate that a businessman and his sister were travelling to Kironde Zone in Ndeeba Parish to buy food supplies when they were reportedly attacked by two men riding motorcycles. The attackers, armed with machetes, allegedly assaulted the pair before stealing a handbag, a mobile phone, and cash before fleeing the scene.
The situation quickly drew the attention of residents, who, together with local responders, pursued the suspects. One of the alleged attackers was captured and handed over to police, providing investigators with crucial leads that resulted in additional arrests.
The suspect initially apprehended was identified as Nadir Mutyaba. Information gathered during his interrogation led detectives to five other individuals believed to be connected to the robberies.
The other suspects have been identified as Herbert Musinguzi, Patrick Kalyango, Owen Talemwa, Ronald Kyeyune, and Ivan Mwase.
During the operation, police also recovered two motorcycles, registration numbers UMA 281KD and UMA 359EV, which investigators believe were used by the suspects during the attacks.
Preliminary findings suggest that several of the suspects operated as boda boda riders at stages in Kabowa, including Bakiga and Gavan Boda Boda stages. Detectives are examining whether the motorcycles were used to facilitate criminal activities while blending into the area’s busy transport operations.
Police say investigations remain ongoing and are focused on determining whether the group is linked to other robbery cases reported in different parts of Kampala.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have experienced similar attacks to report to the nearest police station to assist with the investigations. They also commended residents whose swift action contributed to the arrests, noting that community involvement remains an important tool in fighting crime.