UPDF Officer Arrested Over Maganjo Aggravated Robbery

Summary:

• A UPDF officer, Robert Kyaligonza, and another suspect were arrested in an intelligence-led operation by Kawempe Police Division for an aggravated robbery in Maganjo. The suspects, found with a stolen bag, confessed to robbing a mobile money agent and coercing an Airtel branch’s employees into surrendering cash. Kyaligonza, previously implicated in theft, was detained by the UPDF. Investigations are ongoing, and the public is urged to provide relevant information.

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In an intelligence-led operation, a member of the UPDF was apprehended on January 8, 2024, around 11 am, conducted by officers from Kawempe Police Division, specifically at Katale Police Station. Two individuals, Robert Kyaligonza, a UPDF officer, and Elia Ssekyanzi, were taken into custody for their involvement in an aggravated robbery in Maganjo A Zone, Maganjo Parish, Nabweru Sub-County, Wakiso District.

The operation unfolded when vigilant officers observed the suspects carrying a bag suspected to contain stolen money. Despite efforts to evade arrest, the officers successfully detained the suspects, as reported by Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire on Tuesday morning.

Owoyesigyire disclosed that during the arrest, Kyaligonza was found in possession of a star pistol with 8 rounds of ammunition. The suspects later confessed to robbing a mobile money agent in Maganjo, operated by Mr. Muwonge Eddy.

Further investigations revealed that the duo had targeted Polymath Investments, an Airtel branch in Maganjo, around 10 am. Brandishing firearms, they coerced employees Muwonge and Nanteza Christine into surrendering all cash on the premises, resulting in the theft of six hundred thousand shillings. Fortunately, officers from Katale Police Station intercepted the suspects as they attempted to dispose of the stolen items en route to the police station.

Kyaligonza, previously implicated in a theft case, has been taken into custody by the UPDF. Owoyesigyire stated, “The suspects will be investigated for allegations of aggravated robbery, and the firearm has been exhibited by our forensic expert team; it will be analyzed to ascertain whether it has appeared in any previously reported crimes involving the use of a gun. The team at Kawempe has also identified the victims of the robbery case, and their statements have been taken to aid in the ongoing investigations.”

He appealed to the public for cooperation and the provision of relevant information to assist in concluding the investigations.