Security has apprehended at least eight suspects believed to be part of motorcycle robbery gangs that specifically target foreigners, primarily Chinese nationals, resulting in thefts of over Shillings 2 billion between September and November, 2023. At Martin Road in Kampala, a Chinese national named Li Shou fell victim to a gang of four motorcycles that surrounded him, robbing him of Shillings 200 million.
Shou, an employee of Top Chongo Company, was carrying the money in a bag. Despite Shou firing five shots from his pistol at the gang, they managed to flee with the money. A Police Constable, Yusuf Dang, also fired a shot, but the assailants escaped. Working jointly, the Flying Squad and Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) tracked down and arrested three suspects in Bulenga and Fort Portal.
“Five motorcycles have been recovered from the suspects. Two of these motorcycles were used in the robbery and three were bought from the proceeds of the crime. Five million shillings have been recovered from the suspects. Investigations are still ongoing to arrest their accomplices on the run,” Flying Squad said in a report.
Thirteen days after Shou’s incident, another Chinese national, Hei Wei, was robbed US$190,000 (approximately Shillings 718 million along Ssezibwa Road near Fang Fang Hotel. “Wei was robbed by a group of thugs riding on Boda bodas. The victim had used a Boda boda from his home in Kololo and it is suspected that the same rider was on surveillance and tipped his gang,” reads the report.
Hadijah Namutebi, the Director of Political Commissariat, cautioned that criminals often use surveillance tactics, disguising themselves as Boda boda riders. “We appeal to the business community, especially the foreign nationals to be more vigilant and abstain from moving with large sums of money. The Uganda Police is mandated to protect you,” Namutebi said.
Further arrests were made in connection to the September 19th robbery of $317,900 (over 1 billion shillings) at Nakirebe along the Kampala-Masaka road. Notably, two of the Nakirebe robbers were identified as security officers from the police and military. The gang intercepted a vehicle carrying the money and absconded in a Super custom vehicle with concealed number plates adorned with MK army stickers.
Through CCTV footage and intelligence operations, security arrested four suspects, including Moses Lubega, Josephat Nuwagaba (aka Jose), Richard Kyomuhendo (aka Ricky), and ASP James Kakana, the Officer in Charge of Namayingo Police Station.
“Their residences were searched for possible evidence. The suspects were interviewed and their statements were recorded where they admitted participating in the robbery and mentioned their associates,” Namutebi said. Recovered from their residences were various items bought with the stolen money, including vehicles, household items, and assorted properties.
ASP James Kakana was apprehended from Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, after eluding arrest at his station in Namayingo.
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