Police Investigate Shs 58.5 Million Robberies in Iganga and Mayuge

By Barasa Richard, Osmara Digital Media Eastern Correspondent

BUSOGA, Uganda | October 10, 2026 Police in Iganga and Mayuge districts are investigating two separate robbery incidents in which victims lost a combined Shs 58.5 million in cash, prompting renewed calls for businesspeople and individuals handling large sums of money to strengthen their personal security.

The incidents occurred on October 8, 2026, with one involving three salesmen attached to BIDCO Company's Iganga branch who were reportedly robbed of Shs 30 million and three mobile phones by armed assailants, while the other involved a loans officer who lost Shs 28.5 million along the Mayuge-Musita Road.

According to ASP Kasadha Michael, the Busoga East regional police spokesperson, investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in the two incidents.

Armed Robbery Targets BIDCO Salesmen in Iganga

In Iganga District, police are investigating an aggravated robbery that occurred at approximately 1:00 pm on October 8 at Kalungami Village along the Kawete-Nawandala Road in Nabitende Kalungami Sub-County.

Police said three salesmen from BIDCO Company's Iganga branch were carrying out their routine distribution of company products in an Isuzu box-body vehicle, registration number UAU 090H, when they were intercepted by three armed assailants travelling in a black Toyota Wish.

According to the police account, two of the suspects wore army-green clothing resembling uniforms of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), while the third wore a Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) reflector jacket. The suspects were reportedly armed with a rifle. The assailants allegedly abducted the three salesmen and left the company's vehicle in the middle of the road before transporting the victims towards the Mbale Highway.

Police said the victims were robbed of Shs 30 million in cash and three mobile phones before being abandoned 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.

Police confirmed that the victims had been located in good health and were assisting with the ongoing investigations. The BIDCO company vehicle was also recovered.

No arrests had been made at the time of the police report, and investigators were continuing efforts to establish the circumstances of the robbery and identify those responsible.

Loans Officer Loses Shs 28.5 Million in Mayuge

In a separate incident, police in Mayuge District are investigating a robbery in which Naigaga Proscovia, a loans officer working with women's savings groups, reportedly lost Shs 28.5 million.

The incident occurred at Kasugu A Village along the Mayuge-Musita Road on October 8, 2026. The police report places the robbery at approximately 7:00 pm. Naigaga, a resident of Dwaliro Zone in Mayuge Town Council, had collected Shs 28.5 million from Lugolole Trading Centre earlier that day.

At approximately 6:30 pm, she boarded a boda boda travelling towards Mayuge Town while carrying the money in her handbag. According to police, the motorcycle had two additional passengers besides the rider. When they reached Kasugu A Village, the rider reportedly stopped, claiming that the motorcycle had run out of fuel.

The two passengers allegedly pushed Naigaga to the ground, seized her handbag containing the money and fled the scene.

The incident was subsequently reported to Mayuge Central Police Station by her husband, Maani Titus. A police team led by the District Police Commander (DPC) for Mayuge visited and documented the scene as part of the investigation.

Police also deployed a canine unit to track the suspects. However, the dog reportedly followed the trail for approximately 30 metres before losing the scent. Naigaga was admitted to Mayuge Health Centre IV in stable condition, with no serious injuries reported.

Police Call for Greater Security When Handling Cash

ASP Kasadha Michael, the Busoga East regional police spokesperson, appealed to members of the public, particularly businesspeople and individuals responsible for collecting or transporting substantial amounts of money, to adopt stronger security precautions.

Police advised people handling large sums of cash to use secure means of transport, avoid travelling at night with substantial amounts of money and seek security escorts where necessary.

The advice highlights the importance of assessing security risks when collecting, transporting and distributing business funds, particularly along public roads.

In the Iganga case, investigators are pursuing leads following the reported use of a firearm and the abduction of the three salesmen. In Mayuge, police are following up on evidence gathered at the scene and information that could help identify the suspects. Although both incidents occurred on October 8, police have not indicated whether the two robberies are connected. Investigations remain ongoing.

The combined reported cash loss in the two incidents stands at Shs 58.5 million, excluding the value of the three mobile phones reportedly stolen from the BIDCO salesmen.

Police have urged members of the public with relevant information to assist lawful investigations as efforts continue to bring those responsible to justice.