crime 2 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Salesmen Kidnapped and Robbed in Iganga by Suspects in UPDF, URA Attire
Two salesmen for Kombucha Energy Drink were kidnapped and robbed of Shs5.51 million by five armed assailants disguised in UPDF and URA uniforms in Iganga District. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/gunmen-in-updf-ura-jackets-kidnap-rob-soft-drinks-salesmen-in-iganga-5617040
Police in Iganga are investigating a disturbing incident of aggravated robbery and kidnapping that occurred at Kigulu Trading Centre. The victims, Waiswa Damulira, a driver, and Kenneth Twinamasiko, a salesman for Kombucha Energy Drink’s Iganga branch, were intercepted on their way back from sales rounds.
According to Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha, the duo was traveling in their company vehicle, a white Toyota Hiace, after collecting Shs5.51 million in sales from trips to Kaliro, Bulumba, and Buyuge.
They were ambushed by five individuals traveling in a white Toyota Wish. Kasadha detailed that two of the assailants wore civilian clothes with Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) reflector jackets, while the other three were dressed in what appeared to be Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) uniforms. One suspect was reportedly armed with a rifle.
The salesmen were forced out of their vehicle, bundled into the Toyota Wish, and driven towards Mayuge District. There, they were robbed of the day’s sales totaling Shs5.51 million, along with personal belongings including a smartphone, another mobile phone, an ATM card, and a national identity card.
After the robbery, the victims were abandoned in Mayuge District, from where they managed to report the incident to the authorities. Their company vehicle was recovered by police at the scene. Both victims are reported to be in good health.
Police have registered the case and are actively pursuing leads, with intelligence teams in surrounding districts alerted to track the suspect vehicle. Authorities are concerned about a potential pattern of highway robberies targeting businessmen, often involving similar vehicles and attire, and are urging business people to exercise caution and report suspicious activity.