The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has initiated investigations into the shooting of six suspected bank robbers in Kamwokya last week – focusing on possible operational mishaps that may have led to the excessive use of force by its officers.
The six suspects were shot dead during an intelligence-led operation aimed at foiling a reported robbery of a bank client in Kamwokya on Monday. Police said that a group of more than seven suspected robbers had targeted a bank client withdrawing cash at Acacia Mall.
The suspects were intercepted by joint security operatives from the Flying Squad Unit and Crime Intelligence.They were shot dead on the spot at Acacia Mall, Mawanda road junction, and Kasasiro road. Police confirmed that one suspect was arrested with injuries, and two others managed to escape.
Addressing journalists during a security briefing at the Naguru, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke identified the deceased as Sharif Lukwago, Muzamir Kamoga, Fahad Katongole, Mahad Kamisi, Michael Sebaka, and Innocent Twayisabe alias Money Zaake.According to police investigations, the six individuals are suspected of being involved in multiple robberies, including a recent heist in which they allegedly stole Shs 100 million from businessman, Fred Tibamanya. Tibamanya had reportedly withdrawn the money from a bank in Kawempe before being robbed.
“These individuals were part of a larger gang notorious for targeting bank clients with large sums of money. They had escalated their tactics from non-armed assaults, using physical strength to box and kick victims, to carrying out armed robberies,” Rusoke said.
When asked to address concerns about the excessive force used during the operation, which witnesses described as a “shoot-to-kill” mission rather than an arrest attempt, Kituuma admitted that mistakes could have occurred and assured the public that the matter was under investigation.
“If there were any excesses, as can happen in any operation, I want to assure you that we will thoroughly investigate them. If we find any mishaps, we will take remedial action,” Kituuma stated. Kituuma further emphasized that the gang is real and has been linked to several robberies in the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The police also confirmed that the operation is ongoing, with efforts to hunt down and apprehend the remaining gang members still at large. The ultimate goal is to dismantle the entire criminal network.
Last Thursday, minister for Internal Affairs Gen Kahinda Otafiire ordered the Inspector General of Police, Abasi Byakagaba, to provide a comprehensive report on the incident. He also condemned the killings and emphasized the importance of adhering to legal procedures.
