Police in Kampala are investigating a case of mob justice after a suspected phone thief was beaten to death by an angry crowd in Kinonya-Masanafu Zone, Lubya Parish, Rubaga Division. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday night, March 2, 2025, at around 10:15 pm.
According to reports, two unidentified individuals riding a motorcycle allegedly snatched a mobile phone from a female pedestrian. The victim’s immediate reaction and loud alarm alerted nearby community members, who quickly mobilized and gave chase.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Naguru police headquarters on Monday, Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire provided details of the incident. He explained that as the suspects attempted to escape at high speed, one of them lost control of the motorcycle and fell. His accomplice managed to flee, but the fallen suspect was apprehended by the pursuing crowd.
The situation escalated when the enraged mob took matters into their own hands, attacking the suspect and ultimately beating him to death. Law enforcement officers from Old Kampala Police Division later arrived at the scene to investigate. They documented evidence, recorded witness statements, and secured a sharp panga that was found hidden under the seat of the suspects’ motorcycle. The vehicle was also taken into police custody for further analysis.
Police have strongly condemned the act of mob justice, emphasizing that such actions undermine the rule of law. Owoyesigyire urged the public to report suspected criminals to law enforcement authorities instead of resorting to violence. The deceased’s body was taken to Mulago City Mortuary for a postmortem examination.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over crime in Kampala and its neighboring district of Wakiso. Despite a 4.1% drop in reported crimes, as highlighted in the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2024, many cases remain unresolved. The report showed that of the 81,750 cases taken to court last year, only 26,328 resulted in convictions, while 43,579 are still pending.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of community collaboration in fighting crime, urging the public to trust the judicial system rather than resorting to mob action.