Police in Katwe Division have arrested six suspects accused of being behind a series of panga-wielding robberies reported in parts of the Kampala Metropolitan Area, particularly in Kabowa, Rubaga Division.
The suspects were arrested following a robbery incident on June 29, 2026, in which a businessman from Kabowa and his sister were attacked while travelling to Kironde Zone, Ndeeba Parish, Rubaga Division.
According to Racheal Kawala,the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, the victims had been intercepted by two men travelling on motorcycles and armed with pangas.
"The suspects allegedly assaulted them before stealing a handbag, mobile phone, and an unspecified amount of money. Members of the public and first responders managed to overpower and arrest one of the suspects, identified as Nasir Mutyaba, before handing him over to Kabowa Police Station," Kawala said.
She said information obtained from Mutyaba during questioning helped investigators track down five other suspects identified as Herbert Musinguzi, Patrick Kalyango, Owen Talemwa, Ronald Kyeyune, and Ivan Mwase.
Two motorcycles, registration numbers UMA 281KD and UMA 359EV, believed to have been used during the alleged robberies, were also impounded.
Kawala said investigations are ongoing to establish the suspects’ possible involvement in other criminal activities.
“The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue. We are working to establish whether they are linked to other similar aggravated robbery cases reported within the Kampala Metropolitan Area,” Kawala said.
She added that police are also working to identify more victims and recover stolen property.
“Efforts are underway to identify additional victims and recover any stolen property. We commend members of the public whose prompt response contributed to the arrest of the first suspect,” she said.
Police said preliminary findings indicate that the suspects are boda boda riders operating from Bakiga Boda Boda Stage and Gavan Boda Boda Stage in Kabowa.