Kaliro: Police in Busoga North, Kaliro District, have detained a 50-year-old man, his wife, and sister-in-law in connection with the alleged robbery and murder of a businesswoman, identified as Betty Tusingwire, earlier this month.
On October 2, 2024, at around 9:00 PM, Tusingwire was reportedly shot dead by unknown assailants upon arriving home with her husband. The assailants fled the scene after robbing the couple of cash amounting to UGX 3 million.
According to SP Michael Kasadha, the Busoga North Police spokesperson, in coordination with the Flying Squad, the suspects were arrested on Sunday, October 20, 2024, in Iganga District.
They were initially detained at Buliigo Police Post in Iganga before being transferred to Central Police Station in Kaliro, where they are currently being held.
The suspects were identified as Robert Nfambi, a resident of Nampirika; Suzan Kadondi, commonly known as Byogero, a resident of Bugabwe; and Damalie Nakanda, a resident of Kasokoso Central, all located in Iganga District.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the rifle they used for their crimes was bought from Kenya by Nfambi’s brother, identified as Kapere alias Brown, from Bulubandi, and a friend named Saidi,” said SP Kasadha.
Investigations suggest that Nfambi acted as the driver on each mission, while his wife, Kadondi, was responsible for keeping the rifle. Kadondi, however, told security personnel that the machine gun had been moved to her sister’s home after the latest robbery, which resulted in Tusingwire’s death.
Upon the arrest of Nfambi and his wife Kadondi, a comprehensive search at Nakanda’s residence was conducted, leading to the discovery of an AK-47 rifle, serial number 564812008, with 16 rounds of ammunition. Nakanda was subsequently arrested.
Nfambi admitted to the media that their group had repeatedly terrorized residents in areas such as Iganga Municipality, Namungalwe Town Council, and surrounding areas.
“Our recent robbery in Kaliro Town Council is unfortunate because it resulted in the death of a person,” Nfambi (the suspect) told reporters.
The 25-year-old victim, Tusingwire, was the wife of Mr. Rogers Babalanda, who works as a Centenary Bank agent in Kaliro. The couple resided in Kiyanja Zone, Kaliro Town Council.
Police have launched a serious manhunt for additional suspects who are believed to be part of the same criminal group.
Meanwhile, SP Kasadha appealed to the public to remain vigilant and be suspicious of any unusual behavior among neighbors, as many criminal activities are planned within local communities.