Police on night patrol shot dead a suspected armed robber during an operation in Bukoto, Nakawa Division, on Monday night, as residents renewed calls for increased security in the area.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) spokesperson Rachel Kawala, a group of three armed men attacked an unidentified businessman and his wife along Mukasa road at around midnight as they walked home, held them at gunpoint and robbed them of their belongings.
The suspects ordered the victims to lie down before reportedly taking the businessman’s mobile phone and wallet and turning their attention to his wife. However, police officers on motorcycle patrol arrived at the scene as the robbery unfolded.
Kawala said the suspects fled on noticing the officers, abandoning a bag containing suspected stolen property and a rifle. Police immediately pursued the suspects, leading to an exchange during which one unidentified male suspect was shot dead.
During the operation, officers recovered an SAR rifle, a bayonet, four suspected stolen smartphones, two black shaving machines and other items believed to have been stolen.
The body of the deceased was taken to Mulago City Mortuary for a postmortem examination. Residents described a tense night as gunfire erupted during the police pursuit.
“We were watching TV when we heard bullets outside,” said Joshua Mugerwe, a resident of the area.
“At first, we thought it was fireworks at the Naguru Skyz Hotel, because they usually do fireworks displays. But then we heard our neighbours shouting ‘thieves!’ We moved outside the gate and saw police officers chasing them, and one suspect slumped down. We rushed back inside and closed the gate.”
Mugerwe said residents spent the rest of the night in fear that more criminals could strike before dawn. He added that insecurity in the area has worsened in recent months, with reports of attacks on joggers and women being targeted by bag snatchers while returning home from work.
Pascali Mulindwa, a resident of Mukalazi Road in Ssemwogerere Zone, said criminal gangs have increasingly become a constant threat to residents. He claimed that some of the suspected criminals operate from neighbouring areas such as Mulimira, Kyebando and Kikaya, adding that crime had become more prevalent since the local police post was removed.
Justus Ahimbisibwe, chairperson of the Mukalazi road boda boda stage, called for increased police visibility, particularly during the night and rush-hour periods. He said criminals often target motorists caught in traffic, creating panic and insecurity among road users.
Both residents urged police to reconsider aspects of the sub-county policing model, arguing that the consolidation of police posts has affected response times, especially in Kampala where crime incidents require rapid intervention.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba rolled out the Sub-County Policing Model (SCPM) as part of efforts to decentralise policing and bring security services closer to communities. Under the arrangement, more than 10,000 officers were deployed to sub-counties across the country.
However, some communities have continued to question the model’s effectiveness, citing resource constraints, security gaps in urban centres and pressure on an already understaffed police force.