Police arrest 78 suspects over Northern Bypass robberies

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1313 EAT on Tuesday 24 March 2026

At least 78 suspected thugs have been arrested over a spate of robberies targeting motorists along the Kampala Northern Bypass.

Police say the crimes have been fuelled by heavy traffic caused by ongoing roadworks on the Namungoona–Bwaise section. Repairs by the Ministry of Works and Transport, which began in February, have led to the partial closure of the dual carriageway and prolonged traffic congestion.

Motorists report being stranded for hours between Busega and Bwaise, a situation authorities say has been exploited by gangs who attack vehicles, smash windows and steal valuables.

A businesswoman from Namagoma Kisozi was among the victims, robbed in Busega of a laptop bag containing Shs 5.34 million, two mobile phones worth Shs 1.3 million, and her identification documents.

Police arrested four suspects — John Muwesi, 33, Saka Mbazanyi, 25, Stephen Kabuka, 23, and a 17-year-old — and recovered 20 iPhones and two Tecno phones from a makeshift hideout in the Lubigi swamp.

Motorists say such attacks have become common in traffic snarl-ups. Joseph Musana recounted how assailants struck his vehicle.

“Two men smashed our car windows, threatening us with sharp objects. I told my daughter to hand over her bag and phone. They escaped into the Lubigi swamp. In just 10 minutes, several vehicles were attacked,” he said.

Deputy police spokesperson Diana Nandawula confirmed that more than 70 suspects were arrested over the weekend following complaints from motorists using the Bwaise–Busega stretch and the Masanafu area.

Police say complaints have been mounting over daily attacks by criminals targeting motorists between Bwaise and Busega.

More than 70 suspects are currently detained at Natete Police Station, where screening is underway ahead of court proceedings, Ms Nandawula said.

She added that operations have been extended to the Busega–Kyengera swamp along the Kampala–Masaka road, where similar criminal groups are believed to be active. Investigations are ongoing to identify more suspects and recover stolen property.

Last year, five people were killed in attacks along the Northern Bypass, prompting joint police and military operations that led to more than 300 arrests. Many suspects were later released on bail or after serving short sentences, with some reportedly returning to crime.

-Observer

Invest or Donate towards HICGI New Agency Global Media Establishment – Watch video here