Thugs Ambush and Rob Two at Nsambya Traffic Lights

Police in Kampala have launched a manhunt for a gang of suspected thugs who ambushed and robbed two people at the Nsambya traffic lights along Ggaba Road.

The incident reportedly occurred on May 6, 2026, at around 11:30am and has drawn widespread public attention after video footage of the daylight attack resurfaced and went viral on social media on June 9.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the victims were attacked shortly after withdrawing an undisclosed amount of money from a forex bureau.

“The incident involved a group of assailants who attacked two victims before robbing them of cash. Upon receiving the report, police immediately launched investigations,” ASP Owoyesigyire said.

He added that detectives from Kabalagala Police Division have since visited the scene, recorded statements from witnesses, and retrieved CCTV footage to help identify the suspects.

“Efforts to identify, trace and arrest all those involved are ongoing. We wish to reassure the public that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said, urging anyone with information to report to the nearest police station.

The Nsambya robbery reflects a growing trend of bold daytime attacks targeting individuals carrying large sums of money in Kampala. It also mirrors findings in the 2025 Police Annual Crime Report, which shows a sharp rise in cash-related robberies despite an overall 3.7 percent decline in general robbery cases nationwide, from 8,163 in 2024 to 7,863 in 2025.

Police statistics indicate that robberies involving cash increased by 37.2 percent, rising from 573 cases in 2024 to 786 in 2025. Of those cases, only 200 have been taken to court, while 514 remain under investigation.

The resurfacing of the Nsambya attack video has renewed calls for police to crack down on criminal gangs operating at major city junctions. Security experts continue to advise the public to remain vigilant and consider digital banking options when handling large sums of money to reduce the risk of being targeted.