Police in Kampala are searching for a gang that allegedly ambushed and robbed two people at the Nsambya traffic lights along Ggaba Road.
The attack reportedly happened on May 6, 2026, at around 11:30am. Public anger grew after graphic footage of the daylight robbery resurfaced and went viral on social media on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the victims had just withdrawn an undisclosed amount of money from a local forex bureau when the assailants intercepted them.
“The incident involved a group of assailants who attacked two victims before robbing them of cash. Upon receiving the initial report, police immediately commenced investigations,” ASP Owoyesigyire said.
Police Review CCTV Footage
ASP Owoyesigyire said detectives from Kabalagala Police Division visited the crime scene and documented it.
He added that officers recorded statements from eyewitnesses and secured CCTV footage that may help identify the suspects.
“Efforts to identify, trace, and apprehend all the suspects involved are ongoing. We wish to reassure the public that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Mr Owoyesigyire added.
He also urged members of the public with useful information to report to the nearest police station.
Cash Robberies Rise in Uganda
The Nsambya attack has drawn fresh attention to targeted robberies involving people carrying large sums of money in Kampala.
The incident also reflects findings in the newly released 2025 Police Annual Crime Report. The report shows that general robberies countrywide fell by 3.7 percent, from 8,163 cases in 2024 to 7,863 in 2025.
However, robberies involving cash increased sharply. Police data shows that cash robbery cases rose by 37.2 percent, from 573 cases in 2024 to 786 cases in 2025.
Out of the 786 cash robbery cases reported in 2025, only 200 reached court. Another 514 cases remain under active inquiry.
The report also shows that aggravated robberies increased by 6.7 percent to 2,101 cases in 2025. These cases involved criminals using weapons such as firearms, knives, machetes, and hammers.
Kampala Records Highest Robbery Cases
Kampala Metropolitan Police registered the highest number of robbery cases in the country.
KMP North recorded 1,007 cases, the highest total nationwide. KMP South, where the Nsambya attack occurred, followed with 779 cases. KMP East recorded 669 cases.
Outside Kampala, Rwizi region recorded 567 cases, while North Kyoga registered 429 cases.
The viral Nsambya footage has increased public pressure on police to break up criminal gangs operating around major city junctions.
Security experts continue to advise people to remain alert when moving large sums of money. They also encourage the use of digital banking options to reduce the risk of being followed and attacked.
