Suspect lynched after armed attack on car in Wakiso

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Police in the Kampala Metropolitan area are actively investigating a suspected robbery that resulted in one fatality in Wakiso last week.

The incident occurred on April 11, 2025, at around 6:20pm in Lweza Cell A, Ndejje Division, within Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, according to police.

Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy public relations officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, said they suspect the deceased to have been one of the attackers who was cornered and lynched by residents in a suspected case of mob justice. 

This followed an attack by two unidentified men riding a red Haojue motorcycle (reg. UGG 774A), who targeted a parked Toyota Premio (reg. UBE 079Z) outside the N & M Unisex Salon in the area.

Armed with an AK-47 rifle, the suspects reportedly shattered the vehicle’s windows and stole two bags.

"While fleeing, they were confronted by a boda boda rider, Tumwesigye Peter (27), who, along with Abdul Swabur (18), was shot and injured," Owoyesigyire said. Both victims were taken to Mildmay Hospital in Wakiso, although Swabur was later referred to Mulago Referral Hospital for specialised treatment.

The police spokesperson said the development followed a joint effort by boda boda riders, residents, and police officers to apprehend the suspects.

Several items were recovered at the scene, including an AK-47 rifle, the red Haojue motorcycle (UGG 774A), one cartridge, a national ID, two mobile phones, a red bag (used to conceal the firearm), and a black bag containing a ring spanner belonging to the victim.

"We commend the swift response of the community and boda boda riders. Further updates will follow as investigations continue," Owoyesigyire said.

Statistics

While overall crime declined by 4.1%, falling from 228,074 cases in 2023 to 218,715 in 2024, robbery cases increased by 5%, rising from 7,772 in 2023 to 8,163 in 2024, according to the 2024 Annual Crime Report.

Most of these involved armed robbery, particularly targeting businesses and travellers. 

Police say these crimes have become more sophisticated, with criminals using advanced planning and coordination, underlining the need for improved intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms to tackle violent crime.