The families of six suspects who were shot dead during a foiled robbery near Acacia Mall in Kampala are grappling with shock and grief as they come to terms with their relatives’ involvement in organized crime.
Many of the deceased were known to lead seemingly ordinary lives, working as market vendors and bodaboda riders before their fatal encounter with the police.
The Deceased and Their Histories
The six suspects killed in the operation have been identified as Michael Ssebaka, Khamis Muhammed alias “Chemical,” Shafik Lukwago, Innocent Tuyisabe, Maniriho Zake, and Fandi Kawesa.
While their outward identities painted a picture of modest, hardworking individuals, police investigations revealed a darker narrative of criminal activity linked to the group.
Khamis Muhammed aka Chemical
Khamis stood out among the group due to his extensive criminal record. Arrested multiple times for theft and aggravated robbery, his history was linked to high-profile cases under file numbers SD04/13/02/202, SD 37/03/08/2023, and CRB 1514/2023 at police stations in Jinja Road and Kabalagala. Despite being granted bail in December 2024 after a May arrest for a robbery involving UGX 194 million in Banda, Khamis returned to criminal activity, according to police.
Shafik Lukwago
Lukwago’s criminal record included a theft case under file SD 08/06/08/2022 at Kasokoso Police Station. Known locally as a bodaboda rider, Lukwago was also accused of using his trade to survey potential robbery targets.
Michael Ssebaka, Innocent Tuyisabe, Maniriho Zake, and Fandi Kawesa
Little publicized about their criminal pasts, these individuals were described by their families as market vendors and motorcycle taxi operators. However, police reports linked them to surveillance and logistical roles in the gang’s operations, indicating a deeper involvement in the syndicate.
Arrests and Uncovered Links
Following the incident, police arrested two additional suspects, Muzamiru Kamoga and Fahad Katongole, whose records tied them to theft and assault cases.
These arrests added to an investigation that identified the gang as perpetrators of five major heists, stealing UGX 628 million between June 2024 and January 2025.
The Police Investigation
Detectives uncovered a sophisticated operation orchestrated by the suspects, targeting individuals withdrawing large sums of money from banks.
The gang used motorcycles to follow their targets, feigning the appearance of ordinary bodaboda riders. Their crimes included:
- June 15, 2024: UGX 394 million stolen from a businessman in Kyambogo.
- June 24, 2024: UGX 47 million taken in Bugolobi, where traffic officers attempting to intervene were assaulted.
- December 9, 2024: UGX 57 million stolen on Buganda Road.
- January 4, 2025: UGX 30 million taken from Sixth Street in the Industrial Area and UGX 100 million stolen from a businessman in Matugga.
How the Foiled Robbery Unfolded
Police intelligence intercepted the gang’s plans to rob a female client withdrawing money from a bank near Acacia Mall.
Using a combination of undercover operatives and decoys, officers disrupted the operation near Kamwokya.
In the ensuing chase and confrontation, six suspects were shot and killed, and two pangas, pepper spray, two motorcycles, and a mobile phone were recovered.
Family Reactions and Public Outcry
The families of the deceased expressed disbelief at their relatives’ involvement in such organized crime. “He was just a bodaboda rider. How could he have been part of this?” one distraught family member reportedly asked.
Meanwhile, public debate has ignited over the police’s use of lethal force, with critics questioning whether the suspects deserved a chance at trial.
The tragic end for Michael Ssebaka, Khamis Muhammed, Shafik Lukwago, Innocent Tuyisabe, Maniriho Zake, and Fandi Kawesa has laid bare the intricate layers of a criminal network operating under the guise of ordinary professions.
While families mourn their loss, the police continue to investigate the broader implications of their operations, determined to prevent similar incidents in the future.
