Armed robbers steal sh2.5m in Maganjo

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A violent robbery took place at a Champion Bet outlet in Maganjo town on March 15, 2025, at 11:45 pm, when three thugs armed with pangas stormed the premises and stole sh2.5 million.

The suspects fled on an unidentified motorcycle before security personnel could respond.

Police have launched an investigation under SD 02/16/03/2025 at Maganjo Police Station and are actively tracking down the culprits.

Meanwhile, in Banda, police intervened just in time to rescue a victim from an attack at 3:30 am on March 16, 2025.

Uganda recorded a 5% rise in robbery cases in 2024, with Police linking the increase to rising unemployment and economic hardship.

According to the Deputy Director of Criminal Investigations, Beata Chelimo, the number of reported robbery cases rose to 8,163 in 2024, up from 7,772 in 2023.

“The economic pressure many people are facing is pushing some into desperate measures, including violent crimes such as robbery,” Chelimo said while addressing journalists at Naguru Police Headquarters.

The police report highlights that the most common robbery targets were mobile money agents, motorists, and pedestrians, with criminals often using pangas, guns, and other weapons to intimidate victims.

Authorities also noted an increase in organised gang activity, particularly in urban areas, where criminals monitor financial transactions before staging ambushes.

Chelimo urged the public to exercise caution, especially when withdrawing large sums of money, and encouraged businesses to enhance security by installing surveillance cameras and hiring trained guards.

“We have intensified operations against robbery gangs, and we are working closely with communities to dismantle criminal networks,” she stated.