KAMPALA
Police in Kampala Metropolitan have foiled an attempted robbery targeting a bank customer and arrested one suspect, in Najeera, a Kampala suburb.
The suspect, Wagaba Hussen, 27, a resident of Kayunga in Wakiso District.
He allegedly attacked, Nakawomne Deborah, 27, on a Boda Boda near Najeera Police station and grabbed her handbag containing sh21m.
Preliminary reports indicate that the victim had withdrawn the money from a bank in Ntinda and hired a boda boda to return to her home in Buwaate.
When the victim reached Najeera, a few metres from Najeera Police Station opposite the Stabex fuel station, they were intercepted by another motorcycle and the suspect grabbed her bag.
“Another motorcycle approached at high speed and the passenger grabbed the victim’s bag containing the money,” Owoyesigyire said.
The victim immediately raised an alarm, prompting police officers who were nearby to respond.
“The officers quickly intervened and arrested the suspect who had grabbed the bag. The stolen sh21m was recovered,” police did.
Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed this report, saying the suspect was arrested, and another still at large, the rider of the motorcycle used in the attempted robbery managed to escape.
Police said the suspect fled due to heavy traffic in the area, which made it unsafe for officers to pursue him.
Owoyesigyire noted that the Shs21 tuition which had been stolen was recovered.
Wagaba is currently detained at Najeera Police Station as investigations continue, while efforts are underway to track down and arrest his accomplice.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant when withdrawing large sums of money from banks and to report any suspicious persons trailing them.
