Suspect shot in staged panga attacks on Jinja–Kampala highway
The suspects, armed with pangas, set up the ambushes to rob motorists and instil fear along the busy route.
Police have foiled a series of staged panga attacks on the Jinja–Kampala Highway in Mukono district, where one suspect was shot and arrested.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma says the incidents occurred on October 25, 2025, at about 10:00pm, when an organised gang of about 10 attackers ambushed travellers at Kiwanga Zone in the Mukono area. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
MUKONO - Police have foiled a series of staged panga attacks on the Jinja–Kampala Highway in Mukono district, where one suspect was shot and arrested during a swift response by officers and residents.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma says the incidents occurred on October 25, 2025, at about 10:00pm, when an organised gang of about 10 attackers ambushed travellers at Kiwanga Zone in the Mukono area.
The suspects, armed with pangas, set up the ambushes to rob motorists and instil fear along the busy route.
“Police received a report of an organised group of criminals ambushing and robbing people along the Jinja–Kampala Highway in Kona District,” Kituuma told journalists at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala on Monday, October 27.
Officers from Namanve Police Station, working with vigilant residents, rapidly pursued the gang. 
During the chase, one suspect was shot in the knee, disabled and taken into custody. He received medical attention and is now under Police custody pending further action.
“The rest of the suspects fled but are being pursued," Kituuma said.
Kituuma commended members of the public who assisted in the pursuit and urged continued cooperation with law enforcement to curb highway attacks and robberies.
He said Police would step up patrols in known blackspots along the Jinja–Kampala Highway and neighbouring routes to protect travellers.
“We thank the members of the public who responded quickly and supported our officers. We shall continue intensifying patrols along the Jinja–Kampala Highway and other blackspots to ensure the safety of travellers," he said.
He added that Police are co-ordinating with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to determine the appropriate charges against the arrested suspect as investigations continue.