Police in Kamuli District, eastern Uganda, have arrested nine suspects linked to a series of violent robberies in the Busoga sub-region. The group includes a clinical officer.
Authorities conducted the intelligence-led operation on March 22. They announced the successful arrests on Sunday.
According to Busoga North Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha, the operation yielded significant results. Officers recovered two firearms, ammunition, and several stolen items.
“During the raid, we seized two guns with two magazines and bullets,” Kasadha said. “We also impounded two vehicles—a Toyota Land Cruiser (UAZ 656B) and a Toyota Hiace taxi (UDR 580P)—along with various number plates, two television sets, and four new mattresses.”
The police acted after receiving a tip-off. It indicated that one suspect, Fred Wambi, had transported firearms from Namwendwa to Bukolobe Cell in Kamuli Municipality on March 20.
Soon after, security forces traced Wambi to his brother’s home in Bugweri District. They arrested him and several of his associates during the follow-up operation.
Kasadha confirmed that the group is part of a wider criminal network responsible for recent violent crimes in the region. He emphasized that the cooperation of the public played a crucial role in the success of the operation.
“We commend the community for sharing timely information,” he noted. “Our investigations are still ongoing, and we expect to arrest more suspects.”
Meanwhile, local leaders have downplayed fears of widespread insecurity. Ibrahim Ndoga, Chairman of Ibulanku Sub-county, acknowledged the arrests but clarified that his area mostly experiences petty theft.
“Yes, suspects were captured in Namalemba,” Ndoga said. “However, serious violent crimes are rare in Ibulanku.”
The arrests come after a series of high-profile incidents. These include the shooting of a businessman from Kamuli in Jinja City, the murder of a mobile money operator in Kaliro, and the killing of a float agent in Bugembe, Jinja.
List of Suspects:
- Fred Wambi – Bukolobe Zone, Kamuli Municipality
- Grace Mugaya (alias Jordan Lwambaaga) – Clinical officer, Bugweri District
- Suzan Kwagala – Bugweri District
- Godfrey Mukasa – Bugweri District
- Henry Wamubiligwe – Iganga Municipality
- Stephen Basalirwa – Iganga District
- Godfrey Ayazika – Bugweri District
- Aziz Namugona – Bugweri District
- Sosi Peter Boyi – Bugweri District
In response to the rising crime wave, police have pledged to intensify operations targeting criminal gangs across the region. They remain committed to restoring peace and safety in affected communities.