The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday between 2:00am and 3:00am when the taxi, a Toyota Hiace, was transporting passengers from Mbale City to Kampala.
According to preliminary information, the suspected criminals boarded the vehicle as regular passengers and blended in with other travelers throughout the journey.
However, shortly after the taxi reached a secluded section of the highway, the situation took a dramatic turn.
One of the suspects, who had reportedly occupied the co-driver’s seat, allegedly pulled out a firearm and ordered everyone inside the vehicle to remain silent and lie down.
One of the suspects, who had reportedly occupied the co-driver’s seat, allegedly pulled out a firearm and ordered everyone inside the vehicle to remain silent and lie down.
The sudden display of the weapon sent passengers into panic as they realized they were dealing with an organized gang.
The armed suspect was soon joined by two accomplices who began searching passengers and demanding money, mobile phones, and other valuables.
The armed suspect was soon joined by two accomplices who began searching passengers and demanding money, mobile phones, and other valuables.
Victims were reportedly threatened and assaulted during the ordeal as the criminals took full control of the vehicle.
After robbing the passengers, the gang allegedly forced the driver to surrender control of the taxi. The victims were later abandoned by the roadside in a remote area before the robbers sped away with the vehicle.
Several passengers were left traumatized by the experience, with some losing cash, phones, and personal belongings accumulated over years of hard work.
Security authorities were alerted shortly after the incident, triggering an operation to trace the stolen vehicle and identify those responsible. In a major breakthrough, the taxi was later recovered in Soroti, more than 100 kilometers away from the scene of the robbery.
Investigators have since launched a manhunt for the suspects, who remain at large. Police are reviewing evidence and appealing to members of the public who may have information that could assist in the investigation.
The latest attack has renewed concerns about security along major highways, where criminals have increasingly adopted tactics of posing as passengers before targeting unsuspecting travelers.
Transport operators have been urged to exercise greater caution when picking up passengers, especially during late-night journeys. Travelers have also been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to authorities.
As investigations continue, authorities remain optimistic that the suspects will be identified and brought to justice.
After robbing the passengers, the gang allegedly forced the driver to surrender control of the taxi. The victims were later abandoned by the roadside in a remote area before the robbers sped away with the vehicle.
Several passengers were left traumatized by the experience, with some losing cash, phones, and personal belongings accumulated over years of hard work.
Security authorities were alerted shortly after the incident, triggering an operation to trace the stolen vehicle and identify those responsible. In a major breakthrough, the taxi was later recovered in Soroti, more than 100 kilometers away from the scene of the robbery.
Investigators have since launched a manhunt for the suspects, who remain at large. Police are reviewing evidence and appealing to members of the public who may have information that could assist in the investigation.
The latest attack has renewed concerns about security along major highways, where criminals have increasingly adopted tactics of posing as passengers before targeting unsuspecting travelers.
Transport operators have been urged to exercise greater caution when picking up passengers, especially during late-night journeys. Travelers have also been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to authorities.
As investigations continue, authorities remain optimistic that the suspects will be identified and brought to justice.
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