Armed Men in Military-Style Uniforms Kidnap, Rob Iganga Beverage Salesmen of Shs5.5 Million

By Barasa Richard

IGANGA- Five armed men dressed in military-style uniforms and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) reflector jackets allegedly kidnapped two beverage company employees and robbed them of Shs5.51 million in sales proceeds along the Kigulu–Nakalama road in Iganga District.

The incident occurred on Thursday at about 5:00pm at Kigulu Trading Centre, Bukaye Parish, Nakalama Sub-County, according to Busoga East Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha.

The victims are Waiswa Damulira, 40, a driver, and Twinamasiko Kenneth, 32, a salesman, both attached to the company's Iganga branch. The two were returning to their base after supplying drinks in Kaliro, Bulumba and Buyuge, carrying Shs5,510,000 in sales proceeds.

The assailants, travelling in a white Toyota Wish, allegedly intercepted the company's white Toyota Hiace, registration number UA 126DJ. Two of the suspects were dressed in civilian clothes and wore URA reflector jackets, while three wore uniforms resembling those of UPDF personnel. One of them was reportedly armed with a rifle.

The suspects allegedly ordered the victims out of the Hiace, forced them into the Toyota Wish and drove towards Mayuge District. They allegedly took the cash, a Samsung smartphone, an Itel phone, an ATM card and a National Identification Card before abandoning the victims in Mayuge District.

The victims later reported the incident to police. The abandoned Hiace was secured at the scene for forensic examination and recovery of possible evidence that could assist in identifying the suspects. Kasadha said the incident bore similarities to other reported highway robberies targeting business people. “We note with concern the re-emergence of highway robberies targeting business people using a similar modus operandi: Toyota Wish, military-like attire and interception on highways,” he said.

Intelligence teams in Iganga, Mayuge, Bugiri and Namutumba have been tasked with tracing the suspected getaway vehicle and establishing possible links to similar incidents in the region. Security operations have also been intensified, with snap checks at Magamaga, Nakalama, Mayuge and Bugiri, alongside motorcycle patrols and quick-response teams along major highways.

The business community has been advised to exercise caution when transporting large sums of cash, particularly during late hours, and to promptly report suspicious vehicles or persons to the nearest police station.

The case was registered at Iganga Central Police Station under SD Ref. 125/01/10/2026. Statements from the victims have been recorded, and investigations are ongoing.