Three Notorious Robbers Arrested in Mbarara After Rwampara Suits Heist

By Amos Tayebwa – Mbarara

Police in Mbarara have arrested three notorious suspects accused of running a decade-long burglary and theft racket targeting hotels across the country.

The suspects, identified as Joseph Nsamba (60) from Busia, Rajab Muhinda (50) from Iganga, and Musa Masereka (40) from Kasese, were apprehended on September 15, 2025, following a recent break-in at Rwampara Suits, located along Mosque Lane in Mbarara City.

According to Rwizi Region Police spokesperson SP Samson Kasasira, the trio specialize in breaking into hotel rooms using a collection of master keys, stealing valuable items from unsuspecting guests. In their latest strike at Rwampara Suits, they allegedly made off with a laptops and tablets.

“Right now we have three suspects in police custody. From our preliminary investigations, they confessed to having carried out such crimes for the last ten years. Since they have been operating countrywide, we call upon victims or hotel operators who may identify them to come forward to Mbarara Central Police Station for further inquiries. More charges could be preferred against them,” SP Kasasira said.

Police believe the suspects also had connections outside the country, where they allegedly sold the stolen merchandise.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation conducted the same day, police working jointly with Mbarara City Council and UNHCR rounded up 124 street children across the city. Out of these, 72 were minors below 18, while 23 were above 18 years. Another 24 were identified as refugees from Nakivale Settlement Camp in Isingiro, who had escaped and resettled themselves in the city.

Kasasira noted that the refugees were handed back to UNHCR and returned to Nakivale, while the remaining children are undergoing screening by police detectives, the probation office, and the Community-Based Services department to determine whether they can be reunited with their families or placed in rehabilitation centers.

Mbarara City, since its elevation five years ago, has faced a sharp rise in robberies and house break-ins. Police say intensified night patrols and coordinated operations are beginning to curb the trend.