Police in Kampala have arrested six suspects believed to be behind a series of violent panga-wielding robberies that have recently terrorised residents in Kabowa and surrounding areas.
The suspects are currently being held at Katwe Police Division following investigations into an aggravated robbery reported in Kabowa, Rubaga Division. Police also impounded two motorcycles suspected to have been used in the attacks.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala said the breakthrough followed a robbery reported on June 29, 2026, involving a businessman and his sister.
“Police received a report from a businessman in Kabowa who had allegedly been attacked and robbed by unknown assailants,” Kawala said.
According to police, the victims were travelling to Kironde Zone in Ndeeba Parish to purchase food when they were intercepted by two men riding motorcycles and armed with pangas.
“The suspects allegedly assaulted the victims before robbing them of a handbag, a mobile phone, and an unspecified amount of cash,” Kawala said.
The attackers fled the scene, but a swift response by members of the public and first responders led to the arrest of one suspect, identified as Mutyaba Nasir, who was apprehended at the scene and taken to Kabowa Police Station.
Police said information obtained from his interrogation led to the arrest of five more suspects believed to be part of the gang.
The other suspects have been identified as Musinguzi Herbert, Kalyango Patrick, Talemwa Owen, Kyeyune Ronald and Mwase Ivan.
Investigators also recovered two motorcycles, registration numbers UMA 281KD and UMA 359EV, believed to have been used to transport the suspects before and after carrying out the robberies.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects operate as boda boda riders attached to Bakiga Boda Boda Stage and Gavan Boda Boda Stage in Kabowa, raising concerns over the alleged use of commercial motorcycles to facilitate violent crime.
Police say investigations are ongoing to determine whether the group is linked to other aggravated robberies reported across the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
“The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Efforts are underway to identify additional victims and recover stolen property,” Kawala said.
She commended members of the public for their vigilance, noting that community cooperation played a key role in the arrests.
The arrests come amid intensified police operations targeting violent criminal gangs in Kampala and surrounding areas.
