Police in Kira Division are holding one suspect and have impounded a taxi, registration number UAW 401G, suspected to have been used in a series of robberies within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said the vehicle is believed to have been involved in multiple incidents targeting passengers in transit.
“The taxi is suspected to have been used in a series of robberies within the Kampala Metropolitan Area. One suspect is in custody as investigations continue,” Kawala said.
She explained that on June 11, 2026, a 20-year-old student from Bulabira reported losing his Samsung Note 10 mobile phone after boarding the taxi at Najeera Shell fuel station while heading to Kampala city centre.
According to police, the victim was seated in the front passenger seat when he was allegedly told by the conductor that the door was not properly closed and was instructed to step out.
“The victim was asked to alight from the vehicle under the pretext that the door was not properly closed. Shortly after, he realized his phone had been stolen,” Kawala said.
In another incident on May 27, 2026, a female resident of Bukoto reported being robbed of her mobile phone along the Northern Bypass in Kyebando while travelling in the same taxi.
Police further said that on June 12, 2026, officers spotted the vehicle in Namugongo and attempted to stop it, but the driver allegedly refused to comply and sped off, prompting a chase that ended along the Northern Bypass.
“One suspect identified as Muwonge Isma, a 47-year-old resident of Kyengera, was arrested after the vehicle was intercepted,” Kawala said.
A search of the taxi reportedly recovered a panga and a large stone, which police say are being held as exhibits.
Kawala said investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and to identify other individuals still at large.