KAMPALA , Uganda – A suspected armed robber was shot dead in the early hours of Tuesday after police officers on routine patrol foiled a gunpoint robbery targeting a businessman and his wife in Nakawa Division.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Racheal Kawala, the incident occurred at around 12:50 a.m. in Ssemwogerere Zone along Mukasa Road.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the couple was walking home when they were intercepted by three armed men who ordered them to stop and lie on the ground.
“The suspects ordered the couple to stop and lie down, which they complied with. The robbers then proceeded to rob the businessman of his mobile phone and wallet at gunpoint,” Kawala said.
The suspects reportedly turned their attention to the woman and demanded her mobile phone. However, before they could complete the robbery, police officers conducting routine motorcycle patrols arrived at the scene.
Upon noticing the officers, the suspects abandoned the attack and fled, leaving behind a bag containing suspected stolen items and a rifle.
Police immediately launched a pursuit of the fleeing suspects. During the operation, one unidentified male suspect, believed to be approximately 25 years old, was shot and killed.
Officers recovered several exhibits from the scene, including an SAR rifle, a bayonet, four smartphones suspected to have been stolen, two shaving machines, three black jackets, a spent cartridge, a screwdriver, a pair of red canvas shoes, and a black laptop bag.
The body of the deceased suspect was taken to Mulago City Mortuary for a postmortem examination, while investigations continue to identify the suspect and track down his accomplices who remain at large.
Kawala commended the officers involved in the operation, saying their swift response prevented the robbery from escalating and ensured the safety of the victims.
“We commend our officers for their swift response,” she said.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious individuals and criminal activities in their communities.
