The number of high-profile robbers linked to the recent surge in crime in Kabale Municipality and surrounding areas has risen to four, police have confirmed.
Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, said the suspects were involved in the gruesome killing of a security guard and the critical wounding of a woman, Loyce Kanyoro, near Albertine Hotel on Tuesday night. The assailants reportedly stole assorted household items before proceeding to Nyabikoni, where they raided the home of Sunday Kenneth.
“During the attack, the group allegedly stole Kenneth’s motor vehicle, a silver Toyota Noah registration number UBP 471V, which was later abandoned at Mwanjari after being used to transport stolen property,” Maate explained.
The same group is also accused of breaking into two rented rooms at Kamatojo Cell, Mwanjari Ward in Southern Division, where they attacked and injured 32-year-old Vian Ngororano, an employee of Kabale High Court. Ngororano fought back, disarmed one of the assailants of a panga, and injured him before the gang fled.
Police said the incidents all occurred between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on October 1, 2025.
The arrested suspects include:
- Arinda Smith (25) – arrested at Goro Trading Centre near River Katonga in Mpigi District after attempting to charge a stolen phone. A search of his residence recovered several stolen items, including Kenneth’s car ignition key, shoes, and iPhone; a Techno smartphone belonging to the slain guard; and a baby tablet plus an Itel phone belonging to Kanyoro.
- Akandwanaho Kennedy – arrested in Mbarara.
- Arinda Owen alias Shakido – a resident of Bushuro Village, Kitumba Sub County, Kabale District. A television set and other items stolen from the Albertine Hotel victims were recovered from his home.
- Asasira Mark (24) – injured during the attacks and arrested from his hideout in Mbarara. He hails from Nyakiharo Cell, Mwanjari Ward, Kabale Municipality, and had been working as a casual laborer in Mbarara. Numerous stolen items were recovered from his residence.
Maate commended the cooperation between police and local communities in Kabale, Mpigi, and Mbarara, which led to the successful arrests.
“We thank the territorial police and community members of Kayabwe Police Station in Mpigi, as well as those in Mbarara and Kabale, for their cooperation. Together, we can wipe out criminality in most parts of the country,” he said.
He added that once investigations are complete, the suspects will be charged with murder, attempted murder, robbery, vehicle theft, and possession of stolen property. Police are also pursuing other accomplices whose identities are already known.
