An intelligence-led police operation has led to the arrest of two suspected members of a violent robbery gang accused of terrorizing residents in Kawempe and surrounding areas of Kampala. The operation, conducted on April 21, 2026, along Tula Namere Road in Kawempe Division, followed a surge in complaints from the public about armed thugs attacking homes at night.
Police identified the suspects as Najiib Serwanja, and one Derrick, who are believed to have been part of a group carrying out brutal break-ins. The Kampala Metropolitan spokesperson, Rachael Kawala noted that preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects targeted households, assaulting victims with pangas before robbing them of their property. Police described the attacks as particularly violent, heightening fear among residents in the affected communities.
During the arrest, officers recovered several items believed to have been used in the crimes, including pangas and housebreaking tools, as well as two mobile phones suspected to be stolen. The suspects were also found riding a motorcycle, registration number UGD 081D, whose number plate had been deliberately concealed, raising further suspicion about its use in criminal activity.
Police say efforts are underway to track down additional members of the gang as investigations continue. The arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown aimed at curbing a rise in panga-related robberies in the Kawempe area.
