Police net two soldiers in foiled Kawempe mobile money robbery

KAMPALA: Two soldiers have been arrested following a foiled robbery at a mobile money agent in Kawempe, Kampala.

The soldiers had robbed sh600,000 when they run out of luck following a successful interception by police officers.

Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, said the suspects were found with a pistol and several bullets.

Below is the full police statement:

In a decisive intelligence-led operation on January 8, 2024, around 11 am, officers from Kawempe Police Division, specifically Katale Police Station, successfully apprehended two suspects involved in an aggravated robbery in Maganjo A Zone, Maganjo Parish, Nabweru Sub-County, Wakiso District.

The arrested individuals have been identified as UPDF officer Kyaligonza Robert and Ssekyanzi Elia. The operation unfolded when vigilant officers noticed the suspects carrying a bag suspected to contain stolen money. Despite attempts to evade arrest, the officers successfully detained the individuals.

During the arrest, Kyaligonza Robert was found in possession of a star pistol with 8 rounds of ammunition. The suspects later confessed to robbing a mobile money agent in Maganjo, administered by Mr. Muwonge Eddy.

Investigations revealed that the duo invaded Polymath Investments, an Airtel branch in Maganjo, around 10 am. The perpetrators, at gunpoint, coerced the workers, Muwonge Eddy and Nanteza Christine, into surrendering all cash on the premises, resulting in the theft of six hundred thousand shillings.

Fortunately, the suspects were intercepted by officers from Katale Police Station as they attempted to dispose of the stolen items, en route to the police station.

Kyaligonza Robert, previously implicated in a theft case, has been taken into custody by UPDF .

The suspects will be investigated for allegations of aggravated robbery, and the firearm has been exhibited by our forensic expert team; it will be analyzed to ascertain whether it has appeared in any previously reported crimes involving the use of a gun. The team at Kawempe has also identified the victims of the robbery case, and their statements have been taken to aid in the ongoing investigations.

The police urge the public to cooperate and provide any relevant information that may assist in concluding these investigations.

More details will be availed as soon as possible.