Police in Uganda’s Masaka District have arrested a suspected leader of an armed criminal gang accused of carrying out a series of violent robberies across the Masaka Sub-region.
Bruno Juuko, believed to be the ringleader of the group, was apprehended on Friday night during a coordinated operation involving the Uganda Police and other security agencies. His arrest follows the recovery of two rifles allegedly linked to the gang’s criminal activities.
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Juuko had reportedly been hiding in Buddo, Kyengera Town Council in Wakiso District, after a string of robberies in the districts of Kyotera, Masaka, and nearby areas. Authorities tracked him down following earlier developments in the case.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, five suspected gang members were intercepted by police detectives in Kizigo Village, Kyanamukkaka Sub-county, Masaka District. The suspects were reportedly fleeing after robbing Shs50 million from Andrew Kaggwa, a manager at Mazima Bugaga Coffee Factory in Kyotera District.
One of the suspects, identified as Lawrence Ssenuumu, was fatally shot during the police operation. He was believed to have been carrying the stolen money at the time.
Southern Regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed Juuko’s arrest on 26 July and praised the joint security effort, saying more arrests are expected.
“We commend our gallant officers for dismantling this notorious racket. The suspect in our custody will be charged with robbery upon completion of investigations,” Mr Kasirye said.
Among the items recovered during the operation was a motorcycle with registration number UFV 988N, which police say was used in several robberies. Investigators also noted that the rifles seized match those used by the Counter Terrorism Police Unit, raising further concerns about the gang’s access to high-grade weapons.
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb violent crime in the region.
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