Two Suspects Arrested as Police Recover Rifle Used in Rafiki Gardens Robbery

Two Suspects Arrested as Police Recover Rifle Used in Rafiki Gardens Robbery

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the aggravated robbery at Rafiki Gardens in Kiti A Cell, Nangabo Sub-county, Wakiso District, recovering an assault rifle and other exhibits believed to have been used during the attack.

The robbery occurred on July 14, 2026, when armed men dressed in military-style uniforms trailed a beer delivery truck to Rafiki Gardens. According to police, the attackers stormed the premises, held customers at gunpoint, shot the bar manager in the leg, and fled with cash, mobile phones, and other valuables.

Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said the arrests led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two loaded magazines containing 58 rounds of ammunition, and two camouflage uniforms believed to have been worn during the robbery.

Owoyesigyire said investigations are continuing to identify and arrest other members of the criminal gang who remain at large, as well as recover additional stolen property and exhibits. Those arrested so far were identified as Michael Mutyaba and Paul Bazalanga, who were arrested in separate Flying Squad operations in Matugga, Wakiso District, on Tuesday.

“The arrested suspects remain in police custody and will be arraigned in court on charges of aggravated robbery and other related offences once investigations are concluded. We thank members of the public who continue to provide information that helps link criminals during such investigations,” Owoyesigyire said.

The Rafiki Gardens robbery is one of several armed robberies reported within the Kampala Metropolitan Police area this year. On March 9, 2026, three armed men broke into a residence at about 3:30 a.m., stole cash and electronic equipment, and attempted to evade arrest by hiding in the ceiling before they were cornered by police.

In May, another gang ambushed a businessman and his wife along Mukasa Road in Ssemwogerere Zone, Nakawa Division. The assailants forced the couple to lie face down at gunpoint before robbing them of cash and mobile phones.

The recurring attacks have renewed concerns over the circulation of illegal firearms in criminal networks. While some weapons are believed to be smuggled into the country, security agencies have also previously investigated allegations that rogue elements within the police and military have illegally rented out, sold, or diverted state-owned firearms from official armouries for financial gain, allowing some of the weapons to find their way into the hands of criminals-URN.