crime 23 March 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Police Nab 78 Suspects in Northern Bypass Robbery Crackdown
Uganda Police have arrested 78 suspected criminals linked to a surge in robberies along the Kampala Northern Bypass, where road repairs have caused heavy traffic jams. The operations target gangs exploiting the Namungoona-Bwaise section, with recovered items including multiple smartphones. Source: https://observer.ug/news/northern-bypass-robberies-78-suspected-thugs-arrested
Authorities in Uganda have detained at least 78 individuals suspected of orchestrating robberies against drivers on the Kampala Northern Bypass. The spike in attacks coincides with road maintenance work on the Namungoona-Bwaise stretch, initiated by the Ministry of Works and Transport in February, which has led to severe congestion.
Motorists report being immobilized for hours between Busega and Bwaise, allowing criminal groups to approach vehicles, break windows, and seize valuables like phones and cash. One businesswoman from Namagoma Kisozi lost a laptop bag worth Shs 5.34 million, two phones valued at Shs 1.3 million, and her ID documents in Busega.
Four suspects—John Muwesi (33), Saka Mbazanyi (25), Stephen Kabuka (23), and a 17-year-old—were apprehended in that case. Police recovered 20 iPhones and two Tecno phones from a hideout in the Lubigi swamp.
Victim Joseph Musana described how attackers with sharp objects targeted his car, forcing him to surrender his daughter’s belongings as they fled into the swamp. Multiple vehicles were hit in quick succession during the jam.
Deputy Police Spokesperson Diana Nandawula confirmed over 70 arrests over the weekend from the Bwaise-Busega and Masanafu areas, with suspects held at Natete station for screening ahead of court. Operations now extend to the Busega-Kyengera swamp on the Kampala-Masaka road.
Last year, similar crimes claimed five lives on the bypass, resulting in over 300 arrests, though many suspects were later released and some resumed offending.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)