The Regional Police Commander of Rwizi, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Alfred Bangambaki, survived an armed robbery at his residence in Mbarara City on Saturday night, fatally shooting one of the attackers during the incident.

SSP Bangambaki, husband of former deputy police spokesperson Commissioner of Police Polly Namaye, was waylaid alongside his colleague, Areba Munda, as they drove into his home.

Two assailants armed with machetes smashed the vehicle window, injuring Munda on the face from flying glass fragments.

“The assailants smashed the car window with the machete, and the fragments injured Areeba's face. Areeba made an alarm prompting SSP Bangambaki to use his firearm to shoot at the thugs,” a police source said.
One of the attackers was killed instantly, while the other fled the scene on a motorcycle.

Authorities have since launched a pursuit and have called for reinforcements to track down the fleeing suspect.

Police recovered the body of the deceased assailant and took it to the hospital for postmortem examination and possible identification.

Investigators also retrieved a machete, mobile phones, and cash from the suspect’s body.

“The case is still under investigation,” the source added.

The incident comes amid rising attacks targeting law enforcement officers. Just days prior, Assistant Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Bagenda, Officer-in-Charge of Ntawo Police Station in Mukono District, was gunned down by armed thugs, who also stole his rifle.

The suspects in that case remain at large.

Security authorities have urged vigilance and reinforced protective measures for officers in high-risk areas, while investigations into both incidents continue.

In its 2024 annual crime report, the Uganda Police reported a notable 4.1% decline in crime compared with 2023.