(KAMPALA) – Police in the Kampala Metropolitan area are investigating two robberies that occurred at separate betting centres within 48 hours, highlighting a growing threat to these establishments. Authorities have urged operators to remain vigilant as incidents targeting betting shops increase.
The first robbery took place on October 5, 2024, around 2:00 a.m. at a betting centre on Ben Kiwanuka Street, located in the heart of Kampala. According to Kampala Metropolitan area deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, a group of about 10 unidentified men entered the betting centre, posing as customers. Once inside, they launched an attack on an unarmed security guard, knocking him out with a single punch.
During a weekly joint security briefing held on October 7, 2024, Owoyesigyire informed journalists that the gang proceeded to loot the premises. They raided the slot machines and cash drawers, making off with shillings 5.4 million and four mobile phones.
Owoyesigyire pointed out that many betting centres operate through the night and suggested that employees might have been too relaxed, assuming the robbers were regular customers. He reported that the case was registered at Kampala Police Station, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects.
A second robbery occurred the following day, on October 6, 2024, at a betting shop in Matugga, off the Mabanda-Semuto road in Kasangati Town Council. In this incident, six armed men stormed the shop, wielding machetes. They stole an undisclosed amount of money, and the victims have yet to reveal the total sum taken.
Owoyesigyire expressed concern over the increasing trend of robberies targeting betting centres in Kampala and the surrounding areas. “We have observed a resurgence of robberies at betting companies,” he noted, warning that such incidents could continue unless preventive measures are put in place.
He called on betting centre operators to remain vigilant and ensure strict security measures are in place to protect their businesses from future attacks. This includes monitoring who enters the premises and ensuring that security personnel are adequately prepared to respond to potential threats.
Police are actively pursuing leads in both cases, but no arrests have been made so far.
