Police in Iganga District have arrested seventeen suspects in a major intelligence-led operation targeting hardcore armed robbery gangs, recovering three AK-47 rifles in the process.
The breakthrough followed a September 27, 2025, incident in Walukuba, Jinja City, when Army security operatives apprehended Gumikiriza Allan after a failed robbery attempt. During the incident, one suspect was neutralized, and a submachine gun loaded with two rounds of ammunition was recovered at the scene.
During interrogation, Gumikiriza admitted involvement in multiple armed robberies across Iganga, including the theft of UGX 9,500,000 from Ndagire Justine. He also cooperated with authorities by identifying his accomplices and confirming that he conducted reconnaissance for the robbery alongside Magumba Saidi, a 25-year-old resident of Nkono 3 Village, Iganga Municipality.
On November 20, 2025, a joint operation guided by Gumikiriza’s intelligence led to the arrest of three key suspects: Magumba Saidi, 25, resident of Nkono 3 Village; Kakaire Abdullah alias Brown, 36, resident of Igulusa Village, Bukaye Parish, Nakalama Subcounty; and Mulondo Samuel alias Shadow, 25, businessman and resident of Nkono 3 Village
The suspects confessed to participating in multiple aggravated robberies in Iganga. Investigators revealed that the firearms used in these crimes were supplied and stored by Muzei, a resident of Bugembe Division, Jinja City, who remains at large. Authorities believe the submachine gun recovered in Walukuba is the same weapon used in the Iganga robberies, abandoned at the scene by Muzei before he fled.
Police said the operation represents a major success in curbing armed robbery activities in Iganga and surrounding areas. “The arrests and recoveries are a result of coordinated intelligence-led policing between the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” a spokesperson for Iganga District Police said.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of Muzei or other accomplices to come forward, warning that anyone found harboring or assisting armed robbery suspects will face legal action.
The investigation is ongoing, and police confirmed that the arrested suspects have been charged and will appear in court to face multiple counts of aggravated robbery and possession of illegal firearms.
