Police have launched investigations into an attempted robbery and a deadly mob attack in two separate incidents reported within the central region of Uganda.
In the early hours of May 4, around 12:30 a.m., police acted on intelligence regarding a planned break-in at a warehouse in Kampala. Officers quickly set up an ambush and intercepted the suspects as they attempted to force entry into a warehouse belonging to Honda Company Limited, which stores frozen meat products.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango revealed that the suspects were using a white Toyota Noah van, registration number UAS 738W, with its license plates deliberately concealed. Four individuals were arrested at the scene and are currently in custody at Jinja Road Police Station, facing pending charges and awaiting court proceedings.
“Police remain committed to using crime intelligence to prevent and disrupt criminal activities,” Onyango said.
In a separate incident, police in Nagalama are investigating a mob justice case that led to the deaths of two men on the afternoon of May 4.
The victims; Ntege Sam, a local businessman, and 50-year-old Makubuya Patrick were reportedly lynched by an angry mob during a violent event at Ntege’s residence. The gathering was allegedly intended to expel what residents believed were evil spirits.
Police, having anticipated possible unrest, responded to the scene but encountered resistance from the crowd. One officer was injured after being hit with a stone. Despite police efforts to restore calm, the mob fatally assaulted the two men and set fire to two houses.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings and are detained at Nagalama Police Station. The bodies of the deceased have been transferred to the city mortuary for autopsies.
Onyango strongly cautioned the public against acts of mob justice.
“If there’s a problem in your area, alert the police and let them handle it. Do not take the law into your own hands,” he urged.
The suspects in the mob killing case are facing murder charges as investigations continue.
