In a high-stakes police operation that unfolded yesterday, one armed robber was shot dead and four others remain on the run after a violent daylight heist at a coffee factory in Kyotera District.
The robbers, who allegedly made off with shs50 million, were intercepted during a dramatic pursuit that ended in a hail of gunfire in Kizigo Village.
According to Twaha Kasirye, the area police spokesperson, the robbery took place on July 22, 2025, at around 1:37 pm when five armed assailants, riding on two motorcycles and wielding two rifles, stormed Mazima Bugaga Coffee Factory in Kifuta Village.
The gang targeted the factory manager, identified as Andrew Kaggwa, and forcefully made off with the company’s cash.
The suspects, after the robbery, attempted to flee towards Masaka via Kyesiga.
However, the officers in Kyotera, led by the District Police Commander, responded swiftly and coordinated with the Greater Masaka regional team to intercept them.
The Regional Police Commander of Masaka East, along with his CID and CI officers, joined forces with the local DPC in a rapid deployment. The chase culminated in Kizigo Village, where police laid an ambush and intercepted them.
He noted that during the exchange of fire, one suspect, identified as Lawrence Ssenyuumu, was fatally shot.
The rest managed to escape.
Kasirye said the team recovered two rifles, a motorcycle used in the robbery, and several exhibits critical to the investigation.
Police praised the coordination between local units and regional forces, as well as the cooperation from community members.
The deceased’s body was taken to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem.
While police have declined to reveal the identities of the remaining suspects at this stage, Kasirye assured the public that a manhunt is underway.
“We are actively pursuing the remaining four. Let this serve as a warning to anyone thinking of taking the path of crime, it’s a dead end,” Kasirye warned.
He urged the public to engage in productive activities instead of resorting to violence and theft to survive.
Investigations continue as police tighten the net around the remaining suspects.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
