Police in Kawempe have arrested Robert Kyaligonza, a Uganda Police Defence Forces (UPDF) officer, and Elia Ssekyanzi, who were involved in a mobile money robbery at Maganjo, a Kampala suburb.

ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, said that the suspects, during an intelligence-led operation by police, were arrested after committing a crime in Maganjo A Zone, Nabweru sub-county in Wakiso district, on January 8, 2024, at around 11 a.m.

“An intelligence-led operation unfolded when vigilant officers noticed the suspects carrying a bag suspected to contain stolen money. Despite attempts to evade arrest, the officers successfully detained the individuals,” Owoyesigyire said.

According to Owoyesigyire, during the arrest, Kyaligonza was found in possession of a star pistol with eight (8) rounds of ammunition, which he was using in the robbery.

He said that the suspects later confessed to having robbed another mobile money agent in Maganjo that is owned by Eddy Muwonge, where they obtained Ugx 600,000.

“However, investigations revealed that the two had also invaded Polymath Investments, an Airtel branch in Maganjo, around 10 a.m., where they put the workers (Eddy Muwonge and Christine Nanteza) on gunpoint, leading them to surrender all cash on the premises, resulting in the theft of six hundred thousand shillings (Ugx 600,000),” Owoyesigyire said.

He added that the suspects were intercepted by police officers from Katale Police Station on their way to the police as they (the suspects) attempted to dispose of the stolen items.

According to Owoyesigyire, Kyaligonza had previously been implicated in one of the theft cases and had been taken into custody by the UPDF.

The police forensic team exhibited the firearm to analyse and ascertain whether it had appeared in any previously reported crimes involving the use of a gun.

The suspects are currently being held at Kawempe Police Station, while investigations into the robbery are still ongoing.