A decisive intelligence-led operation mounted by Kawempe Police Division arrested two suspects, including a UPDF soldier following the robbery of a mobile money agent, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy public relations officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, said in a statement.

According to Owoyesigyire, cops from Katale Police Station on January 8 at around 11 A.M. successfully apprehended Robert Kyaligonza, a UPDF officer, and Elia Ssekyanzi involved in an aggravated robbery in Maganjo A zone, Maganjo Parish, Nabweru sub-county, Wakiso district.

“The operation unfolded when vigilant officers noticed the suspects carrying a bag suspected to contain stolen money. Despite attempts to evade arrest, the officers successfully detained the individuals,” reads the January 9 statement.

During the arrest, according to the statement, Kyaligonza was found in possession of a star pistol with eight rounds of ammunition. The suspects later confessed to robbing a mobile money agent in Maganjo, administered by Eddy Muwonge.

“Investigations revealed that the duo invaded Polymath Investments, an Airtel branch in Maganjo, around 10 A.M. The perpetrators, at gunpoint, coerced the workers, Muwonge Eddy and Nanteza Christine, into surrendering all cash on the premises, resulting in the theft of six hundred thousand shillings,” said Owoyesigyire.

The suspects were intercepted by officers from Katale Police Station 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.

“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,” reads the statement. “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.”

The police have urged the public to cooperate and provide any relevant information that may assist in concluding these investigations.