By Our Reporter
Police in Iganga District have launched investigations into an aggravated robbery in which three BIDCO company salesmen were abducted and robbed of Shs30 million and three mobile phones by armed assailants allegedly disguised as security personnel.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:00pm on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Kalungami Village along the Kawete–Nawandala Road in Nabitende Kalungami Sub-County, Iganga District.
According to police, the victims were travelling in a company vehicle, registration number UAU 090H, an Isuzu box-body truck belonging to BIDCO’s Iganga branch, while supplying company products when they were intercepted by three-armed men travelling in a black Toyota Wish.
Busoga East Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha said two of the suspects were dressed in army-green clothing resembling Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) uniforms, while the third wore a Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) reflector jacket.
The suspects, who were reportedly armed with a rifle, allegedly abducted the three salesmen, abandoned the BIDCO vehicle in the middle of the road and drove the victims towards the Mbale Highway.
The assailants subsequently robbed the victims of Shs30 million in cash and three mobile phones before abandoning them at Nawangisa in Busembatya, Bugweri District.
The victims were identified as Kayondo Fred, 21, the driver; Kanonya Benon, 23; and Bugolobi Sali, 23. All three are residents of Iganga Village in Iganga Municipality.
Kasadha said the victims had been located in good health and were assisting police with investigations. The company vehicle was also recovered.
By press time, no arrests had been made, as police continued efforts to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Police Intensify Fight Against Armed Robbery
The incident comes amid ongoing police efforts to combat armed robbery and other forms of criminality across the Busoga East region.
Police have reported the arrest of several suspected armed robbers, while some suspects have already appeared before court and received sentences following conviction.
Kasadha said investigations into the latest robbery were ongoing, with police working to establish the identities of the assailants and bring those responsible to justice.
The police have reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents, business operators and people travelling along major roads to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Public Warned Against Robbery Tactics
Police have also cautioned the public about tactics allegedly used by armed criminals to target unsuspecting victims.
These include staging roadblocks to intercept motorists, following targeted individuals to their destinations and disguising themselves in clothing resembling that worn by security personnel or other government officials.
Members of the public have been advised not to assume that individuals wearing military-style clothing or official-looking reflector jackets are genuine security personnel without proper verification.
Motorists and businesspeople transporting cash have been urged to exercise caution, remain alert to unusual movements and promptly report suspicious vehicles, roadblocks or individuals to police.
Police have further encouraged the public to share credible information that could assist investigators in preventing similar incidents and apprehending suspected criminals.
The robbery has renewed concerns about the safety of sales representatives and other businesspeople who routinely travel with company products and cash while conducting commercial activities across the region.
As investigations continue, police are calling for public cooperation in the fight against criminality, emphasising the importance of timely reporting and community vigilance in strengthening security across Busoga East.
