Police in Kira Division have arrested one suspect and impounded a taxi suspected to have been used in robberies targeting passengers in the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The taxi, registration number UAW 401G, is being held as investigators examine its alleged role in several robbery incidents.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said the vehicle had been linked to multiple complaints from passengers.
“The taxi is suspected to have been used in a series of robberies within the Kampala Metropolitan Area. One suspect is in custody as investigations continue,” Kawala said.
Student Reports Phone Theft After Boarding Taxi
According to police, one of the incidents was reported on June 11, 2026, by a 20-year-old student from Bulabira.
The student told police that he lost his Samsung Note 10 mobile phone after boarding the taxi at Najeera Shell fuel station while travelling to Kampala city centre.
Police said the student was seated in the front passenger seat when the conductor allegedly told him that the door was not properly closed.
He was then instructed to step out of the vehicle.
“The victim was asked to alight from the vehicle under the pretext that the door was not properly closed. Shortly after, he realized his phone had been stolen,” Kawala said.
Bukoto Woman Also Reports Robbery
Police said another incident was reported on May 27, 2026, by a female resident of Bukoto.
The woman told police that she was robbed of her mobile phone along the Northern Bypass in Kyebando while travelling in the same taxi.
Investigators are now examining whether the two complaints are part of a wider pattern of passenger robberies.
Police Chase Ends on Northern Bypass
Kawala said police officers spotted the taxi in Namugongo on June 12, 2026, and attempted to stop it.
However, the driver allegedly refused to comply and sped off.
Police pursued the vehicle until it was intercepted along the Northern Bypass.
“One suspect identified as Muwonge Isma, a 47-year-old resident of Kyengera, was arrested after the vehicle was intercepted,” Kawala said.
A search of the taxi reportedly led to the recovery of a panga and a large stone.
Police said the items are being held as exhibits.
Kawala added that investigations are still ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement.
Police are also searching for other individuals believed to be connected to the incidents.