At least 21 people, including two women, have been arrested in connection with a wave of violent robberies and assaults that disrupted Kampala’s city center on Saturday afternoon, police have confirmed.
The suspects are believed to be part of a criminal gang that exploited the large crowds gathered to witness President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s nomination as the NRM presidential flag bearer at Kyadondo.
The coordinated attacks unfolded around 2:00 pm, targeting people moving through the busy National Theatre and UBC roundabout areas.
“The suspects were disguised in yellow T-shirts and targeted motorists, pedestrians, and businesspeople,” said Patrick Onyango, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, in a statement issued Sunday.
Witnesses reported chaos as individuals in yellow T-shirts resembling NRM supporters moved in noisy, aggressive groups, snatching phones, handbags, wallets, and other valuables from unsuspecting victims.
The brazen attacks were caught on camera and quickly spread on social media, sparking public outrage and demands for swift justice.
Police say the breakthrough came after reviewing CCTV footage from Kampala’s surveillance network, which enabled them to trace and apprehend the suspects from various locations around the city.
“The arrested individuals are currently being held at CPS Kampala and Wandegeya Police Station,” Onyango confirmed.
One suspect was reportedly injured during an attempted escape and is now receiving medical attention in custody.
Onyango also dismissed circulating rumors that a woman had died during the incident, stating clearly that no fatalities were recorded.
“We are still reviewing footage to identify more individuals who participated in these incidents,” Onyango added. “We urge any other victims who have not yet come forward to report immediately.”
Statements have been recorded from several victims, and case files are being prepared for prosecution. The suspects will face charges related to simple robbery and assault, according to police.
Onyango emphasized that this operation is part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal gangs operating in the city, warning that further crackdowns are underway.
The arrests mark a significant development in restoring public confidence in security around major political events and highlight the growing role of CCTV surveillance in crime fighting across Kampala.