Police have arrested five suspected members of a criminal gang linked to a wave of aggravated robberies in the Kampala Metropolitan Policing Area, with investigators saying the suspects have confessed to the killing of Ntawo Police Officer-in-Charge (OC), ASP Emmanuel Bagenda.
The suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation conducted between January 24 and 27, 2026, in Kiti A Zone, Kirinya Parish, Bweyogerere Division, Wakiso District, according to police.
Those in custody have been identified as Amutuhairwe Robinson, a discharged former army personnel; Okello Daniel, a security guard attached to betting company Fortebet; Kasango Arafat; Luyirika Joseph Innocent; and Alphonse Daniel.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachel Kawala said security forces recovered three firearms and three magazines, along with other exhibits believed to have been used in criminal activities.
“Following interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the murder of ASP Bagenda Emmanuel, the Officer-in-Charge of Ntawo,” Kawala said.
ASP Emmanuel Bagenda was shot dead on November 23, 2025, at about 10:00 pm., while on patrol along the Ntawo–Nyenje Road in Ntawo Cell, Mukono Central Division, Mukono District.
Police investigations indicate that ASP Bagenda was acting on intelligence related to an armed robbery reported in the area when he was ambushed by armed attackers.
He was shot at close range and died at the scene, in an attack that shocked the police force and residents of Mukono.
The killing prompted a manhunt by security agencies, with police describing the attack as a targeted assault on law enforcement.
Gang linked to multiple robberies
According to police, the suspects also admitted to participating in several aggravated robberies, particularly mobile money-related attacks, across Kampala and its surrounding areas.
SP Kawala said investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the gang’s operations and to track down additional suspects believed to be connected to the crimes.
“We commend our officers for their dedication and professionalism, and we reassure the public that all violent criminal acts will be thoroughly investigated and pursued to their logical conclusion,” she said.
Police said the recovered firearms will undergo forensic analysis as part of ongoing investigations.
