Nateete Police detains two suspects linked to panga robberies

KAMPALA - The Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) on Friday, April 10, 2026, stated that its territorial police in Nateete had arrested two men linked to panga robberies in the area. 

Racheal Kawala, the KMP spokesperson, said the two were arrested after they staged a roadblock and intercepted a motorcycle with two suspects on board.

She revealed the suspects are linked to a series of panga robberies in Mutundwe, Kampala District.

According to Kawala, three men armed with pangas and sticks, on Friday, April 10, at about 1:00am, allegedly set up an illegal roadblock at Kweeba Zone, Mutundwe Parish, Rubaga Division. 

“The suspects reportedly intercepted a boda boda rider carrying two passengers, ordered them to lie down, and began demanding money from them,” Kawala added. 

Whereas two of them were nabbed, Police officers on patrol are looking for another suspect who remains at large. 

She named those in police custody as William Engulu, a 37-year-old private guard, and Paul Mutabazi, aged 21, a resident of Kabawo. 

The two arrests follow a similar operation by Katwe Police, which over the week successfully dismantled a notorious panga-wielding robbery gang that has been terrorising areas of Makindye, Kizungu (Salaama), Bunga, and Katwe.

KMP deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, in a statement, said on April 5, 2026, following credible intelligence, a suspect identified as Olwo alias Tom was arrested along Mubaraka Road in Makindye Division while riding a motorcycle, registration number UMA 979 HA (Haojue, maroon). 

“Upon interrogation, he confessed to being part of an organised gang involved in violent robberies using pangas and motorcycles. Acting on this information, a targeted operation was conducted on April 8th, 2026, at around 0500 hours in Kapeeke Zone, Kibuye I Parish, Makindye Division. Nine suspects were arrested, including Bogere Latif alias Musoga and Ivan Turyahirwa alias Musiramu, among others,” Owoyesigyire said. 

He revealed that four motorcycles believed to have been used in the commission of these crimes were impounded. 

“The suspects confessed to multiple robberies, including the theft of sh350,000 from a motor vehicle in Kizungu Zone, Salaama Parish, as well as several mobile phone snatching incidents along Salaama Road. One suspected stolen phone was recovered,” he added. 

Owoyesigyire said investigations indicate that the group has been operating for a considerable period, primarily targeting money and electronic devices, and using motorcycles, some suspected to be stolen for quick escape.