Police dismantle panga-wielding gang in Makindye operations
The breakthrough came on April 5, 2026, when officers arrested a key suspect, identified as Tom Olwo, along Mubaraka Road in Makindye division. He was intercepted while riding a motorcycle, registration number UMA 979 HA, a maroon Haojue.
Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire. (File photo)
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Police have dismantled a notorious panga-wielding robbery gang that has been terrorising residents in Makindye and surrounding areas, following a series of intelligence-led operations.
The breakthrough came on April 5, 2026, when officers arrested a key suspect, identified as Tom Olwo, along Mubaraka Road in Makindye division. He was intercepted while riding a motorcycle, registration number UMA 979 HA, a maroon Haojue.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the suspect confessed during interrogation to being part of an organised criminal gang involved in violent robberies using pangas and motorcycles.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect admitted to being part of an organised gang that has been carrying out violent robberies across Makindye, Kizungu in Salaama, Bunga, and Katwe,” Owoyesigyire said.
Acting on the intelligence obtained, police mounted a targeted operation on April 8, 2026, at around 5:00 am in Kapeeke zone, Kibuye I parish, Makindye division, leading to the arrest of nine additional suspects.
Among those apprehended were Latif Bogere, also known as Musoga, and Ivan Turyahirwa, alias Musiramu. Police also impounded four motorcycles believed to have been used in executing the robberies.
Owoyesigyire said the suspects confessed to multiple criminal acts, including the theft of sh350,000 from a motor vehicle in Kizungu zone, Salaama parish, as well as a series of mobile phone snatching incidents on Salaama Road. One suspected stolen mobile phone was recovered during the operation.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the group has been operating for a considerable period, targeting unsuspecting members of the public, particularly focusing on cash and electronic devices.
The gang reportedly relied on motorcycles, some suspected to be stolen, for quick escape after carrying out their attacks.
“All suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court upon completion of investigations,” Owoyesigyire said, adding that operations against criminal gangs in the city are ongoing.