Kawempe suspected robber shot dead, two arrested in police pursuit

KAMPALA - Suspected to belong to a robbery gang operating in Kampala City suburbs, youthful Muran Lumala succumbed to gunshots during a police pursuit. 

His two suspected accomplices, armed with pangas, were arrested following a foiled robbery in Kikoni A Zone, Makerere 1 Parish, Kawempe Division, on Thursday, April 17th.

Wandegeya police officers carried out the operation after they received an alert about armed men riding on two motorcycles.

Police personnel intercepted the suspects near the Chez traffic lights, foiling their planned mission.

Police also recovered a motorcycle with registration number UMA 513AL, as well as a panga believed to have been used by the suspects to intimidate their targeted victims.

Suspects in detention are: Ssemwanga, 18, a student at YMCA and resident of Salama in Makindye Division, and Richard Nyenya, 17, a peasant residing in Mutungo Bina, Nakawa Division.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, confirmed
Lumala's body was taken to City mortuary in Mulago for a postmortem examination.

In his statement issued Friday, April 18, 2025, Onyango said the gang was targeting vendors dealing in alcoholic beverages and individuals riding new motorcycles.

He stressed the importance of community engagement, timely intelligence, and swift response in preventing crime from escalating.

He highlighted the Police plans to increase patrols in the area and to collaborate with community leaders to create programs that offer young people meaningful opportunities and skill development aimed at steering them away from criminal activity.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to easily prevent crime.