The recovery of a rifle loaded with 15 rounds of live ammunition has opened a wider investigation into a suspected criminal network linked to a series of aggravated robberies across Kampala Metropolitan, Eastern Uganda and the Albertine region.
Police say the firearm recovered in Ngando Village, Mukono District, could provide crucial leads as detectives work to dismantle a gang accused of terrorising businesses and individuals in different parts of the country.
The recovery followed the arrest of four suspects after a joint operation by Kampala Metropolitan South Police and Jinja City Police.
According to police, the suspects were intercepted in Ngogwe, Buikwe District, while attempting to return to Kampala after investigators traced their movements.
ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, said the operation was a result of coordinated intelligence gathering.
“Through coordinated operations, several suspects have been arrested while investigations into other cases continue. Our focus remains on dismantling violent criminal gangs involved in aggravated robberies,” Owoyesigyire said.
Investigators believe the firearm recovered from Mukono was previously used in multiple criminal activities after ballistic examinations linked it to several robbery incidents.
Police said the same weapon was connected to five previous robberies within Kampala Metropolitan and four others outside the region.
The investigation began after police linked two separate robbery incidents in Entebbe to one criminal group.
On June 1, 2026, armed men attacked a sales manager of a distribution company at Buyinja Trading Centre, Nkumba Ward, Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, stealing approximately Shs24 million.
The suspects allegedly fired two shots into the air, assaulted the victim and escaped on a motorcycle.
A second attack occurred on August 3, 2026, at Kasenyi, Bendegere Village, where armed men reportedly raided a shop during the offloading of goods from a truck.
Police said the attackers fired one shot, threatened the cashier with a knife and fled with cash.
Following investigations, detectives traced the motorcycle used in the attacks, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Police said the suspects later confessed to participating in several robberies across different regions.
“The suspects confessed to both robberies and admitted involvement in several others across Kampala Metropolitan, Eastern Uganda and the Albertine region,” police said.
The four suspects remain in custody as police conduct further investigations, including scene reconstruction and efforts to apprehend other members of the alleged criminal network.
Police have urged business owners and members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious persons or activities, and continue supporting police with timely information to prevent and combat crime,” ASP Owoyesigyire said.
