Police in the Kampala Metropolitan Area have arrested a suspected robber believed to be part of a group targeting bank customers shortly after they withdraw money.
The suspect, identified as Hussen Wagaba, 27, a resident of Kayunga, was arrested following an attempted robbery in Najjera.
According to Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Police Spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan area, the arrest followed a robbery attempt involving a bank customer who had just withdrawn a large sum of money.
Police say the victim, Deborah Nakawomne, 27, had withdrawn Shs21 million from a bank in Ntinda before hiring a boda boda to travel to her home in Buwaate.
“As the victim passed near the police station opposite Stabex in Najjera, another motorcycle approached at high speed and the passenger grabbed her bag,” Owoyesigyire said.
The victim immediately raised an alarm, attracting the attention of nearby police officers who responded quickly and managed to arrest Wagaba.
However, the rider of the motorcycle, believed to be Wagaba’s accomplice, managed to escape amid heavy traffic in the area.
Police also recovered the stolen Shs21 million, which was returned to the victim.
Wagaba is currently being detained at Najjera Police Station as investigations continue. Authorities say efforts are underway to track down and arrest the suspect’s accomplice.
Owoyesigyire urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activity to security agencies.
“Timely reporting of suspicious individuals and incidents can help police prevent criminals from carrying out their operations,” he said.
