crime 26 March 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Police Kill Suspected Robber Hiding in Mukono Shop Ceiling
Uganda Police shot dead Andrew Ssemanda, a suspected robber found in a shop ceiling in Njerere village, Mukono, after he allegedly threatened an officer with a panga. Authorities state the shooting was in self-defense, with investigations underway to catch his fleeing accomplices. Source: https://observer.ug/news/police-shoot-dead-suspected-robber-in-mukono-shop-break-in
Early Wednesday in Njerere village, Mukono Municipality, police fatally shot a suspected robber hiding in a shop’s ceiling during a break-in.
The suspect, Andrew Ssemanda, reportedly joined others who accessed the shop by scaling the roof, slicing an iron sheet, and stuffing goods into sacks.
A nearby tenant heard noises and notified neighbors, drawing a crowd. Ssemanda’s accomplices escaped, leaving him trapped inside.
Shop owner Raymond Tushabe recounted that Ssemanda tried fleeing via the ceiling but faced a surrounded building. Police arrived and ordered him down, but he descended wielding a panga and lunged at an officer, leading to the shooting.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed the self-defense shooting. Ssemanda’s body was conveyed to the mortuary, and efforts continue to nab his partners.
Local Council member Johnson Wabuya expressed shock, noting Ssemanda’s background as a welder and urging youth to value honest work.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)