Muzamir Kamoga, also known as Zamba, a 25-year-old resident of Naguru Go Down in Kampala’s Nakawa division, recently sustained a gunshot wound on his right hand following a police operation in Kamwokya.
This raid resulted in the deaths of six of his accomplices during a failed robbery near Acacia Mall on January 13.
Kamoga, who had evaded arrest in numerous previous operations, was apprehended and interrogated by operatives from the Flying Squad under the Directorate of Crime Intelligence.
During interrogation, Kamoga detailed how he was recruited into the criminal underworld and the strategies his gang employed to execute robberies.
Kamoga’s Recruitment
Kamoga revealed that he was lured into robbery by his childhood friend and villagemate, Khamis Muhammad, also known as “Chemical,” around 2020 when Uganda was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Muhammad, who was only 23 at the time of his death, led the gang, with Kamoga serving as his deputy.
Before joining the gang, Kamoga struggled to make ends meet as a hawker, selling clothes in areas such as Naguru, Mbuya, Kirinnya-Bweyogerere, and Kamwokya.
However, the job was physically demanding, and the income barely covered his basic needs.
The death of his father when he was young left his family in financial hardship, with his mother, Nuriat Nabbanja, struggling to support her eight children by selling passion fruit juice and chapatis.
Muhammad approached Kamoga during this vulnerable time, offering a way out of poverty. On one occasion, Muhammad visited him with a large sum of money but refused to share any of it unless Kamoga joined his gang.
Tempted by the promise of financial stability, Kamoga agreed and was soon introduced to the group, which included members such as Musuuza, Fahad Lukwago (alias Fahad Kawanga), Enock Matata Zanda, Nana, Khalid, Ibra Kisenyi, Mugisha, Caleb, and Shisha.
Executing Robberies
Kamoga explained that the gang operated with precision and relied on motorcycles (boda bodas) for quick getaways.
They used machetes and pepper spray for intimidation and self-defense. Their targets were typically bank customers, forex bureaus, mobile money outlets, and busy shopping malls.
A key element of their operations was their network of informers inside banks.
These insiders would tip off the gang about customers withdrawing large sums of money. Muhammad, acting as the intermediary, would relay this information to the team and coordinate the execution of the robbery.
Kamoga disclosed that they often collaborated with other criminal groups, hiring “mercenaries” when the target was in areas with heavy security presence.
This approach ensured their operations remained efficient and unpredictable.
One notable operation involved a client near Acacia Mall. Kamoga was assigned to grab a bag containing money from the victim and keep it until the group could reconvene and distribute the loot.
He recounted how, during this failed attempt, the police intervened, leading to a shootout that killed Muhammad and five others.
Notable Robberies
The gang carried out several high-profile robberies:
- Banda Trading Centre, June 15, 2024: The gang trailed accountant Alex Basaliza Ateenyi, who was transporting sh394m and $17,000 to a bank. They intercepted him, escaping with the money.
- Bugolobi, June 24, 2024: A victim carrying sh47m sought help from traffic police when he noticed he was being followed. Undeterred, the gang boldly pursued and robbed him near the traffic lights.
- Makerere Branch, December 9, 2024: Abbas Muhumuza was attacked and robbed of sh57.4m meant for medical bills after withdrawing the cash from Centenary Bank.
- Bwaise Branch, December 11, 2024: The gang targeted a female victim, stealing sh11m and a Samsung smartphone after she made a withdrawal.
Operating Tactics
Kamoga revealed that the gang typically consisted of six to twelve members during operations.
They used jackets to conceal weapons and loitered around banks, shopping malls, and mobile money outlets, waiting for potential victims.
They avoided having permanent bases, making them harder to track.
Their mode of transport—motorcycles—allowed them to navigate congested areas quickly, enabling them to escape before law enforcement could respond.
The Downfall
After his arrest, Kamoga expressed regret and requested security personnel to provide him with a job, offering to share information about other criminal gangs.
His detailed account of their activities has shed light on the operations of Kampala’s criminal underworld, offering valuable insights into their methods and networks.
Despite his involvement in numerous robberies, Kamoga had managed to evade capture until the Acacia Mall incident, which ultimately marked the end of his gang’s reign of terror.
