Police in Jinja fired live bullets in the air and used teargas to disperse an angry crowd and rescue two women suspected of involvement in an attempted robbery targeting a prominent Muslim cleric.
The incident occurred along Spire Road after Sheikh Shafic Songolo was reportedly trailed from a bank where he had withdrawn Shs 46 million.
According to eyewitnesses, the cleric was followed by a Toyota Premio, raising suspicion of a coordinated robbery. Upon reaching a mosque along Spire Road, Sheikh Songolo parked his vehicle. Shortly after, the suspected trailing vehicle also stopped nearby.
Two women, believed to have been attempting to disguise their intentions, reportedly approached the Sheikh’s car and allegedly tried to gain access to it, prompting suspicion among people in the area.
Mechanics working nearby noticed the activity and raised an alarm, attracting residents who quickly apprehended the suspects and accused them of attempting to break into the vehicle.
In the ensuing chaos, the Toyota Premio reportedly sped off with other occupants believed to be accomplices. Witnesses said the fleeing suspects may have been armed, heightening concerns that the incident was part of a wider criminal operation.
As tensions escalated, a mob gathered and threatened to lynch the two women. Officers from the Uganda Police Force intervened, firing warning shots and deploying teargas to disperse the crowd and prevent mob justice. The suspects were then taken into custody.
Local leaders, including Spire Road LC1 Chairperson Kalema Emmanuel, condemned the incident and called for swift action against the fleeing suspects.
“The vehicle they were travelling in sped off with two male occupants, and it is believed they had a firearm. We urge police to trace them and bring them to book,” he said.
Residents have since called for increased security, particularly around banks and places of worship, amid concerns about rising urban crime.
Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson James Mubi said officers responded promptly and arrested the two suspects, who are believed to be Kenyan nationals.
“We swiftly responded and managed to arrest two Kenyan nationals who have provided crucial information indicating plans to carry out theft and robbery operations in eastern Uganda,” Mubi said.
He identified the suspects as Irene Kananu, 42, and Nanis Kaguri, 38. Police say efforts are ongoing to track down other suspects who fled the scene. Preliminary findings, including CCTV footage, suggest the group may be linked to a series of robberies in the region.
By the time of filing this report, calm had returned to the area, with residents expressing relief that Sheikh Songolo was not harmed.
The incident has renewed concerns about organised criminal activity in eastern Uganda, with calls for heightened vigilance and strengthened security operations.