Police have released detailed accounts of robberies linked to six gang members who were shot dead last week during an alleged foiled robbery attempt in Kololo.
The incident happened on January 13 when the six suspects were intercepted as they attempted to steal Shs500 million from a bank client at a branch along Acacia Avenue.
Speaking at the weekly security briefing at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke provided insights into the gang’s activities.
He revealed that the group initially relied on physical violence, such as boxing and kicking their victims into submission, but had recently escalated to using pangas to execute their robberies.
“Initially, the gang targeted victims without using weapons, relying on physical assaults. However, they evolved to using pangas and focused on individuals withdrawing money from banks or mobile money centers,” Rusoke explained.
The deceased gang members were identified as Hamis Muhamed, Sharif Lukwago, Michael Ssebakka, Fahad Katongole, Adam Tusabe, and one known as Dad Easy.
Police noted that all had prior records of involvement in robberies documented at various stations across Kampala.
Rusoke detailed several of the gang’s previous crimes, revealing that they were responsible for robberies amounting to over Shs557 million. On June 15, 2024, the gang robbed Shs394 million and $17,450 (approximately Shs64 million) from an accountant in Nakawa.
On December 9, 2024, they stole Shs57.4 million from a victim near Case Hospital along Buganda Road after the money had been withdrawn from Centenary Bank.
On January 4, 2025, the gang robbed Shs30.7 million from a businessman in the Industrial Area. On December 10, 2024, they took Shs11 million outside Kawempe KCCA Women Hospital.
While the police operation successfully thwarted the gang’s latest robbery attempt, public reaction was divided. Some criticized the police for using lethal force without giving the suspects a chance to be heard.
Rusoke reiterated this apology during the briefing, acknowledging the concerns raised and promising an investigation into the operation.
“If there were any excesses during the operation, we are committed to investigating and addressing them. Like all operations, there is room for error, but I assure the public that these gangs are real, and people are being targeted,” Rusoke stated.
