Police have deployed Quick Response Teams across Busoga East following a series of armed robberies targeting traders, sales representatives and distributors of merchandise, with businesses reportedly losing millions of shillings.
The Regional Police Commander has ordered the immediate deployment of the teams, equipped with motorcycles and motor vehicles, to strengthen surveillance and enable officers to respond rapidly to emergencies along major roads and identified crime hotspots.
The move follows several reported robbery incidents in Iganga District and neighbouring areas, raising concern among business operators over the safety of employees transporting merchandise and collecting sales revenue.
On October 1, five armed men dressed in military-style uniforms and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) reflector jackets reportedly abducted two employees of a kombucha drink company along the Kigulu–Nakalama Road in Iganga District and robbed them of Shs5.5 million in sales proceeds.
In another incident reported by police, armed assailants attacked at Kigulu Trading Centre in Bukaye Parish, Nakalama Sub-county, Iganga District. According to police, two of the suspects wore army-green clothing resembling uniforms of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), while another wore a URA reflector jacket. The suspects were reportedly armed with a rifle.
The incidents have sparked mixed reactions, with questions being raised about the identities of the assailants and the continued targeting of companies and their sales teams.
Another aggravated robbery was reported on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Kalungami Village along the Kawete–Nawandala Road in Nabitende-Kalungami Sub-county.
Police said three sales representatives attached to BIDCO Company's Iganga branch were conducting routine product deliveries in an Isuzu box-body vehicle registration number UAU 090H when they were intercepted by three armed assailants travelling in a black Toyota Wish.
The renewed attacks have prompted police to strengthen security along key transport corridors and other areas considered vulnerable to criminal activity.
The Quick Response Teams have been deployed along major routes, including the Iganga–Jinja Highway, Iganga–Bugweri, Iganga–Kaliro, Iganga–Namutumba and Musita–Namayingo roads, as well as routes within Iganga town.
Busoga East Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha urged members of the business community, particularly traders and sales representatives who transport merchandise and large sums of money, to cooperate with officers deployed along the affected routes.
“We call upon the business community, especially those who move with merchandise and large sums of money, to identify and interact with our officers deployed on various routes. Obtain their direct telephone contacts for emergency response, share timely information on any suspicious persons or vehicles following them, and avoid moving with large sums of cash late at night without police escort, which can be provided upon request at any police station,” Kasadha said.
He further assured the public that information shared with police about criminal activities would be treated with the utmost confidentiality to support investigations and help identify and apprehend the suspects.
Kasadha called for stronger cooperation between police and the community in combating the growing threat of armed robberies.
“Together with the community, we shall defeat these robberies,” he said.
Police have urged business operators to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity promptly and work closely with security personnel as investigations into the reported incidents continue.