Former Criminal Investigations Directorate (CIID) boss, Assistant Inspector General of Police (Rtd) Grace Akullo, is among several high-profile victims of a violent robbery carried out by a gang posing as political supporters during President Yoweri Museveni’s nomination rally in Kampala on Saturday.
The chaos unfolded near the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) offices along Shimoni Road, where Akullo had briefly parked to withdraw cash.
According to security sources, a group of men wearing National Resistance Movement (NRM) T-shirts ambushed her vehicle, targeting her and her family.
Her son sustained serious facial injuries, including a broken nose, after being brutally assaulted by the mob.
He is currently receiving emergency treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital. The family was reportedly en route to Miracle Centre Cathedral for the Benny Hinn crusade when they were attacked.
Police sources have confirmed that other individuals including a senior female officer attached to the Crime Intelligence Directorate were also attacked by the same group in a spree that left dozens of victims robbed and battered.
Mobile money agents, street vendors, and unsuspecting motorists were also caught in the mayhem. Victims were dragged across the road, punched, and robbed of phones, wallets, and millions in cash.
“We are continuing with the hunt down of all suspects who participated in the criminal activities against people who had gone to witness the nomination of President Museveni,” said Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango, confirming the arrest of 21 suspects by Sunday.
The suspects are accused of assaulting mobile money agents including Rose Kakyo, Sumaya Namutebi, and Alice Katusabe, each of whom lost substantial sums of money and mobile phones during the frenzied attack.
CCTV footage reviewed by investigators shows several victims being cornered, dragged along the tarmac, and beaten while their attackers chanted “Tuli Bazukulu!” a popular pro-Museveni slogan meaning “We are the grandchildren [of Museveni]”.
Despite multiple arrests, police confirmed that none of the stolen property has been recovered as of press time.
This is not the first time political mobilisation in Kampala has ended in violence.
In September 2023, a similar mob also clad in NRM colours attacked civilians during President Museveni’s birthday celebrations at Kololo, sparking public outcry over the misuse of political events to camouflage crime.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police have launched an expanded operation to track down remaining members of the gang. Meanwhile, several victims remain hospitalised, and others are calling for accountability and greater protection at public political functions.
