The suspects, who had planned the heist, were intercepted by the police before they could carry out their plans.
What followed was a fierce confrontation that resulted in the death of four robbery suspects, while a fifth is currently in critical condition.
According to a statement by the police shared on social media platform X, the suspects had been on their radar for some time.
"These suspects were already on our watch list. They have been involved in similar robberies in the past," a police spokesperson stated.
The authorities had been closely monitoring the criminals, who are believed to have been part of a larger group targeting banks and their clients across Uganda.
The robbery attempt occurred during a period when bank robberies have been increasing in Uganda.
Criminals have been focusing on commercial banks, looking for ways to rob both the institutions and their customers. With this in mind, the police had heightened their vigilance and were prepared for any potential threats.
"We acted swiftly and efficiently to prevent what could have been a major disaster," the spokesperson added.
The police's timely intervention stopped the robbery before the criminals could cause harm to any bank customers or staff.
The confrontation was intense, with gunfire exchanged between the suspects and the police. Four of the suspects were fatally shot during the operation, and a fifth was severely injured.
The injured suspect is currently receiving medical treatment and is in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the suspects’ backgrounds to determine whether they were involved in any other criminal activities.
The news of the thwarted robbery quickly spread online, with Ugandans expressing their appreciation for the police's efforts.
Many people took to social media to praise the swift response and the courage shown by the officers involved.
"The police did a great job. They saved lives today. We need more of such quick action to keep us safe," one social media user commented. "Kudos to the Ugandan police for their dedication to protecting us," another user wrote.
The rise in bank robberies has been a growing concern for the public, and many are relieved that this particular attempt was stopped in time.
“It’s scary to think about how close this robbery came to succeeding. But thanks to the police, we are safe,” said one of the residents who frequents the mall. The quick response of the officers is being seen as a significant victory in the ongoing fight against crime in Uganda.
As the investigation continues, police officials have promised to provide more details to the public. They have also vowed to remain vigilant in order to prevent any further criminal activities targeting the community.
"We are not backing down. We will keep working hard to protect the people of Uganda," a police officer stated.
The authorities have urged citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the police. With ongoing investigations, Ugandans are hopeful that the authorities will continue to keep them safe from such crimes.
Stay tuned for updates on this story as the investigation unfolds.
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