Police Identifies Killed Suspected Robbers
By Spurb Ernest
The Uganda Police Force has identified five of the six suspected thugs who were shot dead in Kamwokya. and linked them to several cash robberies in Kampala.
The six were gunned down during an operation aimed at foiling a robbery of a bank client in Kamwokya on Monday. Seven suspected robbers, who had reportedly planned to rob a Stanbic Bank client after they withdrew unspecified cash at Acacia Mall, were intercepted in a joint security operation by the Police Flying Squad and Crime Intelligence.
The Police were initially tight-lipped about the identities of the robbers.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango has identified the five suspects as Sharif Lukwago, Musamiru Kamoga, Fahad Katongole, Muhad Kamisi Muzamir Kamooga and one yet to be identified.
According to Police, the six deceased individuals are suspected to have been involved in multiple cash robberies, including a recent heist where they allegedly stole 100 million shillings from businessman Fred Tibamanya. Tibamanya had reportedly withdrawn the money from a bank in Kawempe before being robbed.
According to Tibamanya, he withdrew the money at a Centenary Bank branch at Kawempe and put it in a bag which he placed inside his car and started driving toward Maganjo where he was encircled by thugs on three motorcycles armed with machetes.
“On 10th January this year, they trailed him from Kawempe and attacked him in areas of Maganjo, using machetes they threatened him and took away all the cash. On 4th they had robbed more than 30 million from Francis Barrack, another businessman on 6th street in Kampala and other robberies that I don’t have records right now” Onyango said.
Police have indicated that the deceased had allegedly run-ins with the law, having been arrested for their involvement in other cash robberies in various areas, including Kabowa, Kabalalagala, Kawempe and Nakawa. However, they were released from custody after either serving or completing their sentences, being granted bail, or having their cases dismissed between 2022 and 2024.
Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango has declined to provide details about the charges, courts, and sentences of the suspected thugs.
On Thursday, Minister for Internal Affairs Gen Kahinda Otafiire ordered the Inspector General of Police Abasi Byakagaba to provide a comprehensive report on the incident.
He also condemned the killings and emphasised the importance of adherence to legal procedures.
