crime 9 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Gunmen posing as UPDF, URA officials rob Bidco salesmen of Shs30m in Iganga
Three Bidco salesmen were targeted by armed assailants dressed in what appeared to be UPDF and URA uniforms, who made off with Shs30 million and mobile phones in Iganga District. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/gunmen-in-army-uniform-rob-bidco-salesmen-of-shs30m-in-iganga-5626442
Police in Iganga are investigating a significant robbery where three salesmen from Bidco Uganda Limited were deprived of Shs30 million and their mobile phones. The incident occurred in Kalungami Village, along the Kawete-Nawandala Road.
According to Busoga East police spokesperson Michael Kasadha, the salesmen were intercepted while on their delivery route. Their Isuzu truck was blocked by a black Toyota Wish vehicle carrying the assailants.
Kasadha detailed that two of the suspects were clad in attire resembling Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) uniforms, while a third wore a reflector jacket similar to those used by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) officials. All three were reportedly armed with rifles.
After robbing the salesmen, the perpetrators abducted them and later abandoned them in Nawangisa, within the Busembatya area of Bugweri District. The victims, identified as driver Fred Kayondo (21) and salesmen Benon Kanonya (23) and Sali Bugolobi, all residents of Iganga Municipality, were found to be in good health and are cooperating with the police.
The Bidco vehicle has since been recovered. As of the report, no arrests have been made, but investigations are actively underway to identify and apprehend the suspects. This incident bears a resemblance to a previous attack on October 1, where employees of Kombucha Energy Drink were robbed of Shs5.51 million by armed men also reported to be wearing UPDF-like uniforms and URA reflector jackets.