Investigations by traffic police revealed that the taxi has frequently been driven by different individuals who consistently violate traffic laws.
A taxi, registration number UBL 572K, has been impounded by the Uganda Police Force’s Directorate of Crime Intelligence (DCI) for its alleged involvement in a string of highway robberies. The vehicle was seized in Masaka District and taken to Nateete Police Station for investigation.
According to Maj. Gen. Chris Damulira, the head of DCI, the taxi was tracked down with the help of the Greater Masaka Taxi Association. Victims reported being targeted by groups of 15-20 people who blocked their vehicles, accused them of traffic offences, and stole their valuables.
In one widely circulated audio recording, a woman described how the suspects would drive ahead of their intended victim before abruptly blocking the road using the taxi. The group would then jump out, shouting accusations at the driver. When the driver demanded clarification, the suspects reportedly hurled insults and claimed the driver “did not know what they had done.”
Police say that once an unsuspecting driver stepped out of the vehicle to seek an explanation, the suspects would overpower the victim. In some cases, the victims were beaten unconscious, while others were forced back into their vehicles and driven to remote locations. Victims were later abandoned, sometimes alive and, in other instances, dead.
Investigations by traffic police revealed that the taxi has frequently been driven by different individuals who consistently violate traffic laws. Records indicate that the vehicle has accumulated several express penalty tickets for offences including reckless driving, overloading, and inconsiderate use of the road.
Among the drivers previously fined while operating the taxi are Nicholas Kitamuyima Sekanwagi, Joseph Kabenge, Haruna Ssemaganda, Dan Nsubuga, Yonah Wamutini, Rashid Makanga, Ashraf Kabiito, Isaac Mugerwa, Andrew Waswa, and Twaha Kimbugwe.
Police disclosed that the criminal activities were commonly carried out along the Northern Bypass, Bulenga, Kyengera, and Nsangi areas. Victims reported being robbed of valuables, and in some cases, their vehicles were also stolen. Both audio testimonies and official reports indicate that the suspects were armed with rudimentary weapons, including clubs and knives.
