Police dismantle Mukono criminal gang, seven arrested
KMP spokesperson Racheal Kawala said on Thursday, June 4, 2026, that seven suspects had been arrested and a number of stolen items recovered in an operation conducted to flush out the suspected criminals.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to participating in a series of robberies within Mukono. (File photo)
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Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) have successfully dismantled a notorious robbery gang that has been terrorising residents of Mukono Municipality and the surrounding areas.
KMP spokesperson Racheal Kawala said on Thursday, June 4, 2026, that seven suspects had been arrested and a number of stolen items recovered in an operation conducted to flush out the suspected criminals.
“The operation followed a series of aggravated robbery incidents in which a group of youths, commonly known as "Eggaali", attacked members of the public using dangerous weapons such as knives, pangas, and pavers. The gang would rob victims of their valuables, including mobile phones, bags, cash, laptops, and wristwatches, particularly along Kayunga Road, Kusatu, Nasuuti, and Wantoni areas,” Kawala said.
She revealed that in response to the growing complaints, police launched an intelligence-led operation targeting the criminal group.
“On May 25, 2026, a case of aggravated robbery was registered at Mukono Central Police Station under SD Reference No. 04/25/05/2026. The complainant, a technician, reported that he had been attacked and robbed of cash and other personal property while returning home,” Kawala stated.
She revealed that following intensive investigations, police developed crucial leads. “On May 31, 2026, a swift operation was conducted, resulting in the arrest of one suspect identified as Vian Muhanguzi, aged 25 years.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to participating in a series of robberies within Mukono and disclosed the identities of his accomplices,” Kawala said.
According to Kawala, Muhanguzi subsequently led the police team to Kigombya Cell, where the gang maintained a hideout. At the hideout, Police arrested five other suspects.
The suspects are: David Mubiru alias "City", aged 20; Solomon Kizito alias "Kitama", aged 18; Junior Ssemanda alias "Kamese", aged 17; Paul Muyomba alias "Matama", aged 17; and Mark Okumu alias "Sekere", aged 18.
Kawala said during interrogation, the suspects admitted to committing numerous robberies within Mukono Municipality and stated that they had lost count of the number of people they had attacked.
“A search conducted at the premises led to the recovery of several exhibits, including one Burdizzo; a pruning machine; hammer; pair of scissors; six wristwatches; suspected opium; counterfeit currency notes in denominations of sh20,000 and sh50,000; 18 SIM cards; a torch; two face masks; two heavy-duty door cutters; eight knives, including one butterfly knife; and six phone chargers.”
Kawala said further investigations led to the arrest of the gang's alleged ringleader, identified as Brian Lubanga alias "2PAC".
She said the operation remains ongoing as efforts continue to trace and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
Crime statistics
While releasing the 2025 Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report in April this year, the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, said a total of 196,405 cases were reported to Police compared to 218,715 in 2024.
Out of the reported cases, 115,301 were submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions from which 79,291 cases were taken to Court.