Five men have been charged with murder and aggravated robbery in connection with the fatal shooting of a police officer in Mukono District, in a case that has drawn renewed attention to violent crime in the Kampala Metropolitan area.
The suspects were on Tuesday arraigned before court and charged over the killing of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Bagenda, the Officer-in-Charge of Ntawo Police Post, who was shot dead while responding to a robbery incident late last year.
Prosecution alleges that the accused, together with others still at large, attacked and fatally shot ASP Bagenda on November 23, 2025, along the Ntawo–Nyenje Road in Mukono Municipality. The officer had reportedly responded to intelligence about an ongoing robbery when he was ambushed by armed assailants.
Court heard that the attackers opened fire, killing ASP Bagenda instantly and injuring another officer. The assailants are also said to have fled the scene with a police firearm.
The five suspects were arrested following a joint security operation conducted in parts of Wakiso District, where investigators had trailed a suspected criminal network linked to a string of armed robberies.
According to police, the operation led to the recovery of several firearms and ammunition believed to have been used in multiple criminal incidents across Kampala and its outskirts.
Security agencies say preliminary findings link the accused to a wider gang targeting mobile money operators and businesses, often using sophisticated methods to execute robberies and evade arrest.
During court proceedings, prosecutors indicated that investigations are ongoing and that more suspects could be apprehended. The accused were not allowed to enter a plea as the charges against them are capital in nature and can only be tried by the High Court.
They were remanded to prison until their next appearance as inquiries into the case continue.
Police have described the killing of ASP Bagenda as a “cowardly attack” on law enforcement and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring justice is served.
“This was a targeted and violent act against an officer on duty. We are determined to dismantle the criminal networks behind such incidents,” a police spokesperson said.
The incident sparked concern among residents of Mukono and surrounding areas, many of whom have raised alarm over increasing cases of armed robbery and insecurity.
Security experts say the attack highlights the evolving nature of urban crime, where organized groups are becoming more coordinated and better equipped.
The Uganda Police Force has since intensified operations in identified crime hotspots, with a focus on intelligence-led policing and community cooperation.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or activities, noting that public support remains critical in combating crime.
The case comes at a time when security agencies are under pressure to contain rising incidents of violent crime, particularly in rapidly growing urban centres.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
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