Police Arrests Kampala Crime Gang Led by Army Deserter

(Kampala) – Police have arrested seven suspected members of a criminal gang, including a former Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldier, believed to be responsible for a series of robberies across Kampala Metropolitan area.

(KAMPALA) – On October 24, 2024, Kampala Metropolitan Police announced the arrest of seven individuals suspected of forming a criminal gang responsible for robberies in various Kampala districts, including Mukono, Namasuba, and Bulenga. Among the suspects is Lawrence Kibuuka, a 37-year-old UPDF deserter.

The arrests were made in a coordinated operation conducted by the Kampala Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad Unit, crime intelligence teams, and the Kawempe Division’s territorial police on Wednesday, October 23. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed the arrests and identified the suspects as Joseph Nsabamungu, 27, alleged gang leader; Stephen Kayita; Shafik Baligeya; Nicole Musimami; Adrian Kakato; Asuman Ruyinza; and army deserter Lawrence Kibuuka.

According to Onyango, the gang primarily targeted betting centers and slot machine shops. Police allege that the group operated on four motorcycles with the registration numbers UGG 950L, UDN 457C, UEW 888A, and UGC 825D. They divided their forces with four riders and four passengers, all armed with machetes (locally known as pangas), to carry out their crimes.

Police findings indicate that the gang was involved in at least three robberies, stealing UGX 2 million in Bulenga, UGX 1.9 million in Namasuba, and UGX 1.8 million in Mukono. Police also recovered the pangas reportedly used in the robberies, which were hidden along Mpererwe Road near Kanyanya.

Onyango stated that Kibuuka, the army deserter, was paid between UGX 150,000 and 200,000 after each robbery, while Nsabamungu, the alleged gang leader, kept items from the operations. Police said their investigation and operations are still ongoing to ensure safety and peace in the affected communities.

Suspect Age Role Notes
Joseph Nsabamungu 27 Alleged Gang Leader Kept military items
Lawrence Kibuuka 37 Army Deserter Received UGX 150,000-200,000
Stephen Kayita Member
Shafik Baligeya Member
Nicole Musimami Member
Adrian Kakato Member
Asuman Ruyinza Member
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