By Robert Segawa
Police have foiled a suspected aggravated robbery targeting mobile money dealers in Bugolobi, Kampala.
The suspect, who was armed with a gun concealed in a polythene bag, fled on a motorcycle after the attempted robbery failed.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, boda boda riders pursued the suspect and alerted police patrol teams along Old Port Bell Road.
Upon noticing approaching police officers, the suspect abandoned the firearm and escaped. Owoyesigyire said the gun, which was loaded with four rounds of ammunition, was later recovered near the Ministry of Internal Affairs and secured as an exhibit.
A scene-of-crime team examined the area, and investigations are ongoing to identify the suspect and the motorcycle used in the incident.
In a related development, police in the Kampala Metropolitan area have conducted a series of disruptive operations targeting criminal elements involved in phone snatching, drug abuse, robberies and other related crimes across several divisions.
Owoyesigyire said the operations were carried out in the Wandegeya, Kira Road, Nansana, Kirinya and Jinja Road policing areas following intelligence reports and public concerns about rising criminal activity in identified hotspots.
During the operations, a total of 42 suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing screening, investigation and documentation before being arraigned in court.
Police said the suspects were found loitering in the areas late at night, with some unable to properly identify themselves, while others were found abusing drugs, possessing suspected narcotics and engaging in gambling.
Police added that operations will continue across the Kampala Metropolitan area to dismantle criminal networks and ensure public safety.
Authorities have also urged members of the public to continue sharing information that can assist in the fight against crime.
