EXCLUSIVE: Inside the Four Guns Linked to 12 Murders and 30 Robberies

Ugandan security agencies have revealed that four submachine guns recently recovered in separate operations were linked to at least 12 murders and 30 aggravated robberies across the Kampala Metropolitan Area.

Police say the recovery of the firearms marks a major breakthrough in efforts to curb gun-related crime in Kampala and its surrounding districts of Mukono, Wakiso and Mpigi.

According to security sources, no gun-related incident has been reported in the metropolitan area since January 24, 2026, when the last three of the four weapons were recovered.

How the Guns Were Recovered

The firearms were seized during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted by joint teams from the Flying Squad Unit, CrimeCrime Intelligence and Counter Terrorism.

January 20, 2026 – Nakirebe, Mpigi District:

One submachine gun was recovered as a group of armed robbers attempted to raid a Coca-Cola depot. Four suspects were arrested during the operation.

January 24, 2026 – Kirinya, Bweyogerere:

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Three additional submachine guns were recovered in a separate operation that also led to the arrest of four suspects. This was described by security officials as the most significant breakthrough.

A forensic analysis completed in February 2026 positively linked all four firearms to 12 murders and 30 aggravated robberies committed over recent months.

Guns Traced to Security Personnel

Investigations have further revealed that all four weapons were originally in the custody of security personnel.

One of the guns was seized from police officers in Mukono District on November 23, 2025, during a deadly confrontation along Nakabago Road. Armed robbers on a motorcycle opened fire on responding officers, killing ASP Emma Bagenda, the Officer in Charge of Ntawo Police Station, and critically injuring Constable Jackson Kiyingi. The attackers fled with a police submachine gun.

“One of the recovered guns has been conclusively confirmed to be the weapon taken from the late ASP Bagenda,” a security source said.

Another firearm was reportedly stolen from a UPDF soldier around the Namboole area, while a third was robbed from a private security guard in Matugga last year.

Suspects in Custody

All suspects arrested in connection with the four firearms are currently being held by the Police Flying Squad, an elite unit responsible for tackling organized crime, violent gangs and other high-profile offenses.

Leadership Changes at KMP

The recoveries come amid leadership changes at Kampala Metropolitan Police following a surge in violent crime.

ACP Ezekiel Emitu has been appointed the new Commander of Kampala Metropolitan Police, replacing previous commanders who held the position at higher ranks. Emitu was formerly the Commandant of the Kabalye Police Training School in Masindi.

Meanwhile, SSP Julius Isabirye has been named the new head of Kampala Metropolitan Police Crime Intelligence, with a mandate to dismantle organized criminal networks behind robberies and murders.

Security agencies say investigations are ongoing to establish how the weapons circulated among criminal gangs and to prevent future leakages from security forces.