Police have raised concerns over a trend of criminals drugging passengers on buses and robbing them of their belongings. In recent incidents, bus travellers, especially on routes from Kampala to Kigali, have been targeted by criminals who use sedatives to incapacitate their victims.
In one case on November 5, 2024, a passenger identified as Basikana Amon, 24, was sedated and robbed while travelling on a Jaguar company bus (registration number UBN 307 T). Amon is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility near the Katuna border, recovering from the effects of the drugging.
Just a day later, on November 6, around 5:00 a.m., three additional passengers on another Jaguar bus (registration number UBN 260 T) travelling along the same route from Kampala to Kigali were similarly drugged and robbed of their cash, phones, and other valuables. The victims were admitted to Kabale Referral Hospital in critical condition.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, confirmed that authorities are in discussions with bus company management to devise strategies for safeguarding passengers and curbing these alarming attacks.
Police are urging the public to be cautious when accepting food or drinks from strangers during bus journeys, as the perpetrators often disguise their intent by offering meals or refreshments that have been laced with sedatives.
“We urge passengers to remain vigilant and exercise caution with meals or drinks offered to them during travel,” police warned. “Such incidents are increasingly common, and criminals frequently rely on sedative-laced food or beverages to rob unsuspecting passengers.”
