27 arrested as Police halt six-month robbery rampage

A crime spree that saw a sophisticated gang steal over Shs600 million and commit multiple robberies is finally over as police make 27 arrests.

27 suspects are arrested as Ugandan police dismantle a highly organized armed gang responsible for a six-month robbery rampage across eastern Uganda.

KAMPALA, UGANDA – A six-month-long robbery spree across eastern Uganda has ended with the arrest of 27 suspects, according to a joint operation led by the Police Directorate of Crime Intelligence. The group, described as a highly organized criminal syndicate, is believed to have stolen more than 600 million shillings (about $160,000) and is linked to the deaths of at least two people.

The gang’s activities spanned over 10 districts in eastern Uganda and parts of the Buganda region, with at least 14 known robberies carried out between December 2024 and April. Unlike a typical armed gang, this syndicate had a sophisticated structure, including its own medical team, mechanics, and reconnaissance units to plan and execute its crimes.

The Gang’s Operations

The robberies often targeted individuals transporting large sums of money. One of the earliest recorded incidents was in December 2024 in Mbale City, where 15 armed accomplices ambushed a company clerk, David Ongom, as he delivered 50 million shillings to a bank. Ongom was shot in the thigh but survived.

Two months later, the gang struck again in Jinja, killing a mobile money agent and stealing 21 million shillings. The group’s rampage continued, hitting districts like Mayuge, Kayunga, Iganga, Buikwe, and Tororo.

The Investigation and Arrests

The increase in armed robberies prompted police to deploy a joint security task force. A breakthrough came with the arrest of a 29-year-old scrap dealer in Busia. He provided vital information that led to the identification of 11 other suspects and the recovery of two firearms. The operation resulted in the arrest of 27 individuals across the Busoga sub-region and other districts.

A security source, who spoke anonymously, said several suspects were former members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group who were granted amnesty. While authorities are working to confirm if the suspects still have ties to the ADF, the police also seized vehicles and vehicle license plates believed to have been used in the robberies. The identities of the suspects have not been disclosed for legal reasons. Two of the gang’s four firearms remain unaccounted for