Gun recovered as mobile money robbery foiled

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A suspected aggravated robbery targeting a mobile money operator in the Kampala city suburb of Bugolobi has been foiled, and an abandoned gun recovered. 

Kampala Metropolitan deputy Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire on March 6, 2026, said this comes in the wake of a series of disruptive operations targeting criminal elements involved in phone snatching, drug abuse, robberies and other related crimes across several divisions. 

"The suspect, who was armed with a gun concealed in a polythene bag, fled on a motorcycle after the attempted robbery failed. Bodaboda riders pursued the suspect and alerted Police patrol teams along Old Port Bell Road. Upon noticing the approaching Police officers, the suspects abandoned the firearm and escaped. The gun, loaded with four rounds of ammunition, was recovered near the Ministry of Internal Affairs and secured as an exhibit," Owoyesigyire said. 

He explained that a scene of crime team examined the area, and investigations are ongoing, with the aim of identifying the suspects and the motorcycle used in the incident. 

More arrests 

Owoyesigyire also revealed that the operations were conducted in Wandegeya, Kira Road, Nansana, Kirinya, and Jinja Road policing areas following intelligence reports and public concerns about increasing criminal activities in identified black spots.

"During an operation carried out in Old Mulago and Lower Nsoba under Wandegeya Police Division, a total of 16 suspects were arrested for wandering about with the intent to commit a crime. The suspects were found loitering in the area late at night, with some unable to properly identify themselves, while others were found abusing drugs and gambling," Owoyesigyire added. 

He said in another operation conducted in Mawanda Road and Kamwokya under Kira Road Police Division, eight suspects believed to be involved in phone snatching and drug abuse were arrested from known black spots.

"Similarly, in Nansana Police Division, an operation targeting hardened criminals resulted in the arrest of 10 male suspects who were found in possession of suspected narcotics. The suspects have since been charged accordingly, and investigations into the matter are ongoing," Owoyesigyire said. 

Owoyesigyire said in Kirinya and the surrounding areas of Kito A, Kito B, Namataba, and Kirinya Main, another operation targeting criminals involved in bag snatching, assaults on members of the public, house break-ins, and burglaries led to the arrest of eight suspects who were found in possession of suspected narcotics. The recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department for further management.

"All 42 suspects arrested are currently undergoing screening, investigation, and documentation before being arraigned in court," Owoyesigyire stated. 

He said all Police operations will continue across the Kampala metropolitan area to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety and security of the public.

"Police also urge members of the public to continue sharing information that can help in the fight against crime," he stated.