The Uganda Police Force has confirmed the impoundment of a taxi drone linked to a string of alleged highway robberies, following a coordinated operation in Masaka.
Police confirmed today, Saturday 7th February, 2026, that taxi registration number UBL 572K was impounded in Masaka and taken to Nateete Police Station to aid investigations into alleged highway robberies.
According to preliminary police findings, the suspects in the taxi mentioned above intercepted a female motorist near Namungona Roundabout along the Northern Bypass, pressuring her to open the door by falsely claiming she had hit and killed someone, a deceptive tactic usually used by criminals to steal vehicles.
Following the reported incident, authorities launched a coordinated search for the taxi, tracking its movements beyond Kampala and the operation ended in Masaka, where the vehicle was impounded and later escorted back to Nateete.
“The victim was intercepted and falsely told that she had caused a fatal accident. This appears to be a deliberate tactic intended to confuse and frighten motorists into opening their vehicles,” the police statement read.
SP Rachael Kawala, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, emphasized the importance of vigilance among drivers.
She said that such deceptive methods are increasingly being used by criminals to exploit drivers, especially at busy junctions and bypasses.
“Criminals use their victims’ fear as their weapon. When a motorist panics, they quickly move in to steal the vehicle and take control of the situation,” SP Kawala stated.
She further urged motorists not to open their doors to strangers, even if faced with shocking or alarming situations, and to report any accidents or incidents directly to the police.
Efforts are currently underway to record the victim’s statement and place it on file to support ongoing investigations and further updates will be communicated in due course.
As investigations continue, police warn that highway criminals are increasingly using fear and deception towards their targets, urging motorists to stay vigilant and never respond to alarming claims on the road.
