Suspected robber shot dead by police in Bukoto during foiled robbery

A sting operation by police in Bukoto’s Nakawa Division on Monday night resulted in the death of a suspected robber. The incident occurred when officers on patrol intercepted three armed men who were robbing a businessman and his wife at gunpoint.

The victims were walking home along Mukasa Road around midnight and were dispossessed of their valuables when police intervened. The assailants attempted to flee upon spotting the officers, dropping a bag containing their loot and a rifle.

During the ensuing pursuit and exchange of gunfire, one suspect was fatally shot. Police managed to recover an SAR rifle, a bayonet, several smartphones, and other items suspected to be stolen.

The deceased’s body has been taken to Mulago City Mortuary. Residents reported hearing gunshots and experiencing fear throughout the night, with some mistaking the initial sounds for fireworks.

This incident has amplified residents’ anxieties about rising crime in Bukoto. They claim that criminal gangs are increasingly active, targeting pedestrians and motorists, particularly during nighttime and peak traffic hours. Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the Sub-County Policing Model, with some arguing that the consolidation of police posts has hampered rapid response times in urban areas.

Community leaders are urging for increased police visibility, especially during vulnerable hours, and a re-evaluation of current policing strategies to better address the growing security challenges.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/suspected-night-robber-shot-dead-in-bukoto