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Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke speaking to journalists on Monday
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By Our Reporter
The Police have raised an alarm over an increase in robberies where victims are sedated using chloroform, particularly in taxis and buses. The development comes after a series of such robberies in buses. “On November 5, 2024, we registered a case where one Vascana Amon, 24, was drugged on a Jaguar bus and robbed of his belongings. By the time of compiling this information, he was still receiving treatment,” Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said during a weekly press briefing at Police headquarters in Naguru yesterday.
Rusoke added that at around 5:00 pm on November 6, they registered another incident in which three passengers en route to Kigali were robbed under similar circumstances. “These passengers were also sedated and robbed of their phones, cash, and other valuables. The victims were taken to Kabale Hospital in serious condition,” he said.
Police cautioned travelers to be alert
In response to the incidents, the Police are working with bus companies to address the problem.
Chloroform is a colorless liquid that emits toxic fumes upon decomposition. Due to its non-irritating nature, the chemical is often used as a general anesthetic in hospitals, where it causes a reversible loss of consciousness, allowing surgical procedures to be performed without pain and distress.
Kituuma said preliminary investigations indicate that most perpetrators deceive victims into consuming food or drinks laced with the sedative. This is not the first time such attacks have been reported in Uganda. In 2008, the Police issued a notice advising men, especially businessmen carrying cash, to be cautious. Fred Enanga, then spokesman for the Criminal Investigations Directorate, reported that criminals would apply the chemical to victims’ chests, rendering them unconscious.
Robert Mutebi, secretary general of the Uganda Bus Operators Association Investment Ltd, said they were not aware of the incidents but found them surprising because most inter-state buses have passenger manifests to add a layer of security. A passenger manifest records each passenger's name, number of travelers in the party, and departure/arrival time.
“If there was anything like this, it would be easy to follow up,” Mutebi noted, adding that the bus company has even introduced cameras on its fleet.
When asked what passengers can do to ensure safety, he emphasized the importance of personal responsibility. “Perhaps we can also run a campaign to warn our passengers and drivers to take extra precautions. Any slight issue is a threat to our business, and I assure you we are going to follow up.”
Stephen Lutoti, secretary general of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, urged authorities to restrict access to chloroform. He suggested that the National Drug Authority could enforce stricter regulations, noting that chloroform is categorized as a dangerous drug that should not be easily accessible to the public.
Torch Media Africa
