Suspected Northern Bypass Gang Member Arrested With Military Wares

A 26-year-old man suspected of being part of a criminal gang targeting motorists along the Kampala Northern Bypass has been arrested with items resembling military equipment. The suspect, identified as Abdul Sserugo, was arrested on Wednesday evening following a tip-off to joint army and police teams deployed at the Namungona flyover.

He is accused of threatening to shoot motorists in traffic and attempting to rob them near Busega. He was later detained at Nateete Police Division. Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Rachel Kawala confirmed the arrest, revealing that a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a toy pistol, footwear resembling military boots, and a Special Forces Command (SFC) T-shirt.

Kawala said preliminary investigations indicate that Sserugo is a resident of Bombo Kalule in Luwero District and is believed to be part of a gang that targets unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians along the Northern Bypass, especially during rush hours.

“We have established that he is a resident of Bombo Kalule in Luwero. Our findings indicate the suspect is part of a group that targets and robs unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians along the Northern Bypass during rush hour,” Kawala said. Police have since charged him with personation and threatening violence, as security agencies intensify efforts to track down his accomplices.

His arrest follows a similar case involving Hassan Kuteeka, 38, who was also detained for impersonation after he was found in possession of an identification card bearing the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) logo, with the number CID 006 and his name inscribed on it.

Kuteeka’s arrest was linked to a January 2026 bag-snatching incident involving a 17-year-old victim at the Nateete traffic lights. The suspects in that case were reportedly using a Volkswagen Golf, registration number UAQ 950P, which was later tracked by police.

Meanwhile, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has raised concern over an increasing number of individuals impersonating security personnel, particularly from the army and police. The warning follows the recent arrest of ten suspected members of a criminal gang linked to impersonation syndicates targeting tourists, foreign investors, and job seekers across the country.