Police foil armed robbery at Masindi petrol station, one arrested
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said the suspects were armed with a pump-action shotgun and a knife and attempted to overpower and disarm the guard before robbing him.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma speaking during the weekly security briefing at Uganda Police headquarters in Naguru on Monday, August 10, 2026. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
________________
Police have foiled an attempted armed robbery at Gaza Petrol Station in Central division, Masindi municipality, arresting one of the two suspects involved.
The incident happened at about midnight on Monday (August 10) when two men travelling on a motorcycle, registration number UGG 529B, reportedly attacked a security guard at the petrol station.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said the suspects were armed with a pump-action shotgun and a knife and attempted to overpower and disarm the guard before robbing him.
He made the revelation during the weekly security briefing at Uganda Police headquarters in Naguru on Monday.
“The suspects, armed with a pump-action shotgun and a knife, allegedly attempted to overpower, disarm and rob the security guard,” Kituuma told journalists during a press briefing.
However, the guard became suspicious and resisted when the suspects confronted him at gunpoint.
“They had already put him at gunpoint, but he did not yield, and a struggle ensued,” Kituuma said.
The guard raised an alarm during the struggle, attracting the attention of nearby residents and a police unit stationed close to the scene.
Police officers responded and arrested one of the suspects, identified as Ronald Odoma, 43.
Kituuma said Odoma was taken for medical treatment following the struggle but remains in police custody.
The second suspect fled the scene and is being pursued by police.
“We are very, very hopeful that we shall get him,” Kituuma said, adding that investigations were ongoing.
Kituuma commended the security guard for his vigilance and bravery, saying his alertness helped prevent the robbery.
He also urged security guards and business operators to remain vigilant, particularly during night shifts, and to report suspicious activity to police.
Kituuma said the incident also demonstrated the importance of cooperation between the public and police.
“When there is good communication between the public and the police, the response time is always good, and we always end up yielding good results,” he said.