Police in Kampala Metropolitan have arrested a suspected robber believed to be part of a group that targets bank customers using motorcycles. The suspect was captured after an attempted robbery in Najeera, an incident that caused panic but ended with police successfully recovering the victim’s money.
The suspect has been identified as Wagaba Hussen, a 27-year-old man from Kayunga in Wakiso District. According to police, he was arrested on March 6, 2026, shortly after trying to rob a woman who had just withdrawn a large sum of money from a bank.
Reports indicate that the victim, Nakawomne Deborah, also 27 years old, had withdrawn UGX 21 million from a bank in Ntinda. After leaving the bank, she hired a boda boda rider to take her back home in Buwaate, unaware that criminals might have been following her movements.
When the boda boda reached Najeera, just a few meters from the police station opposite Stabex fuel station, another motorcycle suddenly approached at high speed. A passenger on that motorcycle quickly stretched out, grabbed Deborah’s bag containing the cash, and attempted to escape.
However, the robbery did not go as planned. The victim immediately raised an alarm, attracting attention from people nearby and alerting police officers who were close to the scene. The officers reacted quickly and moved in to stop the suspects before they could disappear.
During the operation, the rider of the motorcycle managed to escape because of the heavy traffic in the area, which made it difficult and unsafe for officers to chase him immediately. Fortunately, the suspect who had grabbed the bag was caught on the spot.
Police were able to recover the full UGX 21 million that had been stolen from the victim. The quick response from the officers prevented what could have been a successful robbery and ensured the money was returned.
The arrested suspect is currently being held at Najjera Police Station as investigations continue. Authorities say efforts are underway to track down and arrest the accomplice who escaped during the incident.
According to ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, investigations are ongoing as police work to dismantle criminal groups that target bank customers in the city. He also urged the public to remain alert and report suspicious movements around banks and busy areas.
