Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Grace Akullo, the former head of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), was among several people violently robbed by a flash mob of thugs dressed in yellow National Resistance Movement (NRM) T-shirts on Saturday, during President Yoweri Museveni’s nomination event in Kampala.
According to security sources, Akullo had parked near the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) offices on Shimoni Road to withdraw cash when the gang struck. She was reportedly accompanied by her children, and her son sustained a broken nose and other serious injuries during the attack, requiring urgent treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
The family was reportedly heading to Miracle Centre Cathedral for the Benny Hinn crusade when they were ambushed.
The same group of attackers is said to have also assaulted a senior female officer from the Crime Intelligence Directorate. In addition, several mobile money agents, street vendors, motorists, and pedestrians were robbed in broad daylight by the violent mob.
Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma confirmed that 30 suspects had been arrested so far, and authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the attacks.
“Using our street surveillance cameras, we are actively pursuing all suspects who took part in these criminal acts against members of the public who had turned up to witness the nomination of President Museveni,” ACP Rusoke stated.
Among the victims were mobile money agents Rose Kakyo, Sumaya Namutebi, and Alice Katusabe, each of whom reportedly lost millions in cash along with their mobile phones.
Disturbing CCTV footage captured the chaos, showing terrified victims being cornered, assaulted, and dragged across the tarmac by thugs who shouted, “Tuli Bazukulu” (We are President Museveni’s grandchildren).
Police said that none of the stolen property has yet been recovered. Investigations are ongoing.
