Police at Kira Division are holding a suspect and investigating a series of robberies believed to have been carried out using a taxi operating within the Kampala Metropolitan Area. The breakthrough followed several reports from victims who were allegedly targeted by occupants of a white taxi, registration number UAW 401G, while travelling to different destinations around the city.
The latest incident was reported on 11th June 2026 by a 20-year-old student and resident of Bulabira. The young man told police that he boarded the taxi at Najeera while travelling to Kampala City Centre. According to preliminary investigations, he was seated in the front passenger seat when the conductor informed him that the door was not properly closed. He was then ordered to get out of the vehicle. Moments after leaving the taxi, he discovered that his Samsung Note 10 mobile phone had been stolen by individuals who were inside the same vehicle.
Investigators later linked the taxi to another robbery that occurred on 27th May 2026 at around 7:00 a.m. Along the Northern Bypass in Kyebando, a female resident of Bukoto was reportedly robbed of her belongings, including a mobile phone, by occupants travelling in the same vehicle. The similarities in the two incidents raised suspicion and prompted police to intensify efforts to trace the taxi and its occupants.
The operation took a dramatic turn on 12th June 2026 at about 9:00 a.m. when police officers spotted the suspected vehicle in the Namugongo area within Kira Division. Officers attempted to stop the taxi, but the driver reportedly ignored their instructions and sped away. A chase followed, with police pursuing the vehicle until it was successfully intercepted along the Northern Bypass. The taxi was immediately impounded as part of the ongoing investigation.
During the operation, police arrested one suspect identified as Muwonge Isma, a 47-year-old resident of Kyengera. A search conducted on the vehicle led to the recovery of a panga and a large stone. The items were seized and retained as exhibits to support ongoing investigations into the reported crimes.
Police believe the arrested suspect may be part of a larger criminal group responsible for targeting unsuspecting passengers in the Kampala Metropolitan Area. Investigators are now working to establish the full extent of the group’s activities and identify other suspects who may still be on the run.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant while using public transport and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. The investigation continues as police seek justice for the victims and work to dismantle the suspected criminal network.
