Police have nabbed two suspects notorious for their involvement in kidnapping and robbing passengers along the Kampala-Masaka highway.
The suspects, identified as Kigozi Suleiman, 25, a taxi driver from Nabbingo, Kakungubwe in Wakiso district, and Nsubuga Derrick,30, a conductor from Wantoni-Masaja “B” village in Makindye, were netted while operating their evil activities under the disguise of a fake taxi.
The vehicle, a grey Toyota drone with the registration number UBL 259W, lacked the distinctive blue and white stripes typical of registered taxis.
According Fred Enanga, the Uganda Police Spokesman, the suspects would force passengers at knifepoint and using other weapon threats, rob them of valuables and cash, and then abandon them in nearby bushes.
Enanga says police made a breakthrough on 27th January 2024 when the Joint Task Team led an intelligence operation. He further explains that a thrilling car chase ensued, tracking the suspects from Masaka City through Kyijja swamp, eventually cornering them at Kinoni in Lwengo district.
He also reveals that the perpetrators had been masquerading as Crime Intelligence, CMI operatives from Kampala to conduct their criminal activities.
In a stern warning, the police has urged all passengers to exercise extreme caution and avoid boarding vehicles resembling the fake taxi. Enanga cautions that it is important to verify the mandated blue and white stripes on registered taxis and avoid accepting lifts from non-gazetted taxi stages.
He also expressed gratitude on behalf of the police leadership to the Greater Masaka Territorial Teams and the Flying Squad Unit for thwarting the criminal duo and ensuring the safety of highway travelers.
