Police in Kira Division have arrested a suspect and impounded a taxi believed to have been used in a string of robberies targeting passengers across the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The vehicle, a white taxi bearing registration number UAW 401G, came under police scrutiny following multiple complaints from victims who reported being robbed while travelling in it.
The latest incident was reported on June 11, 2026, when a 20-year-old student from Bulabira was allegedly robbed of his Samsung Note 10 mobile phone while travelling from Najeera to Kampala City Centre. According to preliminary investigations, the victim boarded the taxi at Najeera and was seated in the front passenger seat.
During the journey, the conductor reportedly claimed that the door was not properly closed and ordered the student to get out of the vehicle.
Moments after alighting, the victim discovered that his phone had disappeared, allegedly stolen by occupants of the same taxi.
Investigators later linked the vehicle to an earlier robbery reported on May 27, 2026. In that case, a female resident of Bukoto was allegedly robbed of her belongings, including a mobile phone, by occupants of the same taxi along the Northern Bypass in Kyebando.
The breakthrough came on June 12, 2026 when police officers spotted the suspected vehicle in the Namugongo area.
Attempts to stop the taxi were unsuccessful after the driver reportedly sped off, triggering a pursuit.
Officers eventually intercepted the vehicle along the Northern Bypass and impounded it.
The Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, Racheal Kawaka reported that one suspect, identified as 47-year-old Isma Muwonge, a resident of Kyengera, was arrested during the operation.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a panga and a large stone, which police have retained as exhibits to support ongoing investigations.
Police say inquiries are continuing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in the robberies and to track down other accomplices believed to be on the run.
Authorities have urged members of the public who may have fallen victim to similar incidents involving the taxi to come forward and assist with the investigations.
