Police in Kampala have arrested a UPDF soldier for robbing shs600,000 from a mobile money agent on gunpoint.
According to Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, Pte Kyaligonza Robert, 40 and Ssekyanzi Elia were arrested in an intelligence led operation on Monday morning following the robbery of a mobile money agent in Maganjo A Zone, Maganjo Parish, Nabweru Sub-County, Wakiso District.
“The operation unfolded when vigilant officers noticed the suspects carrying a bag suspected to contain stolen money. Despite attempts to evade arrest, the officers successfully detained the individuals,”Owoyesigyire said.
He noted that during the arrest, the UPDF officer was found in possession of a star pistol with eight rounds of ammunition and two suspects later confessed to robbing a mobile money agent in Maganjo owned by Muwonge Eddy.
“Investigations revealed that the duo invaded Polymath Investments, an Airtel branch in Maganjo, around 10 am. The perpetrators, at gunpoint, coerced the workers, Muwonge Eddy and Nanteza Christine, into surrendering all cash on the premises, resulting in the theft of shs600,000,”Owoyesigyire said.
He said the suspects were intercepted by police before they could spend the money, adding that the UPDF officer has previously been implicated in robbery and has now been taken into custody by the UPDF.
“The suspects will be investigated for allegations of aggravated robbery, and the firearm has been exhibited by our forensic expert team. It will be analyzed to ascertain whether it has appeared in any previously reported crimes involving the use of a gun. The team at Kawempe has also identified the victims of the robbery case, and their statements have been taken to aid in the ongoing investigations.”
