Taxi gang robberies
Police have tipped the public on taxi gang robberies along the Kampala Northern bypass, from Busega to Namboole.
Police have confirmed receiving multiple complaints of conspiracies with rogue taxi drivers and conductors, provoking and stealing from victims who have boarded taxis as passengers.
The victims have reported losing their valuables like cash, mobile phones, jewelry, ATM cards to the alleged robbers.
Fred Enanga, the Uganda Police spokesperson, says unsuspecting passengers board the taxis, with criminals, including women, disguised as passengers. The victims are later attacked in a moving taxi and robbed, before being thrown out.
Taxi gang robberies
“We strongly condemn these acts of impunity by taxi gangs. The joint task teams from Kampala Metropolitan Police, are already gathering intelligence and good clues about these criminal taxi gangs, that are hiring female accomplices to disguise as passengers and also using fake number plates that they remove after every mission,” he said.
Enanga said in some instances, victims are raped, robbed, and seriously injured after boarding taxis operated by taxi gangs.
He asked territorial commanders to engage with the associations in the taxi industry to address the concern because they can be helpful sources of information.
Enanga outlined tips to guide passengers whenever they board taxis in these times. Among them include;
– Always check the number plates if they are well fixed and appear genuine. Ensure you board your taxis from a gazetted stage.
– Also observe if the driver has a genuine badge, which is well displayed.
– Avoid secluding yourself in the back seat. At least get a seat where you are visible near the door or window. For instance, sitting in the middle puts you in danger, since you can not cry for help.
– Keep expensive items hidden in your bag, especially smartphones. Then keep your purse close to you, preferably between your feet or chest.
– Never take a taxi alone, since it may be hard to defend yourself from the taxi gang already inside the taxi. At least board from a stage with other passengers.\
– Always have emergency numbers to call especially if the taxi is heading in the wrong direction. Be courageous and make an alarm calling for help through the window.
