Mityana, Uganda — Three people have been arrested in connection with an aggravated robbery investigation in Kakindu Sub-county, Mityana District, after residents helped police apprehend a suspect allegedly found in possession of military-related items.
Police say the incident began on August 1, 2026, when 26-year-old Wilberforce Nzabashaija, a resident of Kiriri, Makindye Division in Kampala, travelled to his mother’s village in Kiwoya Bweza, Kakindu Sub-county, carrying luggage whose contents were initially unknown.
According to investigators, during the night of 1 and 2 August, Wilberforce allegedly opened the luggage, put on military-style clothing, and armed himself with a knife, pliers and a screwdriver before embarking on a robbery spree with his brother, Fredrick Kusasira.
Police allege that the pair first broke into the home of one Namatta and stole a bicycle before moving to the homes of Ntegeyo and Teopista Nakiwala, where they reportedly threatened residents while demanding money.
The victims’ cries for help alerted members of the community, who responded quickly and managed to detain Nzabashaija before he could cause further harm.
Lameck Kigozi, the Wamala policing area spokesperson, said a pair of military attire, a knife, pliers and a screwdriver were recovered from the suspect.
The incident was reported at Kakindu Police Station by Kiwoya Bweza village chairperson Kirudde Sabiiti, after which the suspect and recovered items were handed over to authorities.
Investigators later arrested Nzabashaija’s alleged accomplice, his brother Kusasira. Their mother was also arrested for allegedly obstructing police officers during the course of their duties.
During questioning by investigators from Mityana Police and the Regional Flying Squad Unit, Wilberforce allegedly admitted to stealing military stores from the home of a serving Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer in Kiriri, Makindye Division, Kampala, in mid-July.
Police say the recovered items included two pairs of uniforms, a bag, a sweater and a three-inch mattress.
Investigators allege the items were intended for use in criminal activities, including robberies and illegal roadblocks.
Police further say that after an earlier attempted robbery in Kampala failed, during which an elderly woman was allegedly targeted but had no money, Nzabashaija relocated to his mother’s village in Mityana.
Authorities praised residents of Kiwoya Bweza for their quick response and for handing the suspect over to police instead of resorting to mob justice.
“Community vigilance played a key role in preventing possible harm,” police said, adding that efforts are ongoing to recover all remaining military-related items allegedly in the suspect’s possession.
Investigations into the case continue, and the file is expected to be submitted to the Resident State Attorney in Mityana for review and possible sanctioning of charges against the three suspects.
