Police in Kampala have arrested three men suspected of carrying out a series of robberies across the Kampala metropolitan area.
The suspects, identified as Stephen Sserwanyiri (34), a boda boda rider from Kirinyabigo Kawanda; Robert Mukisa (24), a boda boda rider from Lubowa Zone Nabweru; and Jamir Mutaawe, the alleged ringleader, are facing charges related to multiple nighttime thefts.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) spokesperson Patrick Onyango, the trio was apprehended after allegedly robbing Enid Naginda, a 24-year-old waitress at Luve Restaurant in Kololo.
The incident occurred around 1:45 am as Naginda was walking home along Fairway Hotel and Blood Bank Road. When she was attacked, Naginda raised an alarm, which attracted the attention of nearby police officers on patrol.
The suspects reportedly stole Naginda’s bag containing Shs50,000 and her mobile phone. In their attempt to flee the scene, Sserwanyiri fell off their motorcycle (registration number UFM 529C) and was immediately apprehended. During questioning, Sserwanyiri confessed to working with two accomplices and led the police to their hiding spots, resulting in the arrest of Mukisa and Mutaawe.
One of the suspects admitted to using a panga (machete) to intimidate or harm victims who resisted, revealing a violent approach to their robberies.
“We use the panga to harm any victim who attempts to resist surrendering their property. We have been carrying out these robberies on motorcycles for the last year,” Sserwanyiri reportedly stated.
Authorities have recovered another motorcycle (registration number UFJ 348M) from Mutaawe’s residence.
Mutaawe admitted to operating in several areas, including Nakasero, Northern Bypass, Namugoona, Kololo, Spear Motors, Golf Course, and Wandegeya.
The police warned the public about the tactics used by these criminals, who often feign motorcycle breakdowns in dark or isolated areas, then ambush unsuspecting pedestrians with accomplices on another motorcycle.
“To ensure your safety, avoid letting boda-boda riders take you through unfamiliar shortcut routes at night. Stick to main roads, even if they are longer,” the police advised. The suspects are expected to face court soon as police prepare their case files.
