Detectives at the Katale Police Station in Kawempe division, Kampala, successfully intercepted and arrested two robbery suspects, including a member of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The suspects allegedly targeted a mobile money point, robbing Polymath Investments, an Airtel branch in Maganjo, and were apprehended while attempting to flee the scene at approximately 10:00 am on Monday, January 8, 2024.
Armed with a pistol, the suspects, identified as Robert Kyaligonza (the soldier) and Elia Ssekyanzi (civilian), reportedly coerced mobile money agents Eddy Muwonge and Christine Nanteza to surrender cash at gunpoint, resulting in the theft of shillings 600,000. Following their arrest, the suspects confessed to the robbery, leading to Kyaligonza being handed over to his UPDF commanders for further investigations.
According to Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, the operation unfolded when vigilant officers observed the suspects carrying a bag suspected to contain stolen money along a route leading to the police station. Despite attempts to evade arrest, the officers successfully detained the individuals. During the arrest, Kyaligonza was found in possession of a star pistol with eight rounds of ammunition.
Owoyesigyire revealed that Kyaligonza had previously been implicated in a theft case and had been taken into custody by the UPDF. Both suspects will now face investigation for allegations of aggravated robbery. The seized firearm will be analyzed by the Police forensic expert team to determine its involvement in any previously reported crimes involving the use of a gun.
The statements obtained by the Kawempe Police team will contribute to the ongoing investigation, and the police urge the public to cooperate by providing relevant information that may assist in concluding the case.
