WAKISO, Uganda — A major breakthrough occurred in the investigation of a violent assault on a local resident as security forces apprehended a key suspect following a coordinated operation. The suspect, known as Grace Nabete, who goes by the nicknames “FBI” or “Escobar,” was captured on February 17, 2026, in Abaita Ababiri, linked to the brutal attack on Richard Batabane.
The incident unfolded on the night of February 12, when Batabane was confronted outside his home in Wakiso District. According to authorities, Nabete allegedly orchestrated a group to surveil Batabane before they launched an attack at his gate, resulting in serious injuries to the victim.
Luke Owoyesigyire, deputy spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, indicated that Batabane endured significant harm during the encounter, sustaining a broken arm along with injuries to his leg. “Investigators found that the assailants attempted to strangle the victim, leaving him in a critical condition,” Owoyesigyire said.
Following the attack, Batabane shared a video on social media detailing his experience, which attracted public attention and heightened pressure on law enforcement agencies. The dissemination of the video played a crucial role in mobilizing a swift response from security personnel.
In response to credible intelligence, a concerted effort by security agencies led to Nabete’s arrest in the early hours of February 17. Owoyesigyire confirmed that she is currently being held in custody to assist with ongoing investigations. Authorities are also pursuing leads on additional suspects involved in the assault.
Public safety remains an ongoing concern, and Owoyesigyire reassured the community of their commitment to addressing violent crime. “We want to reinforce our dedication to maintaining safety and ensuring that those responsible for criminal acts are brought to justice,” he said.
The 2024 Annual Crime Report released by police underscores the prevalence of assaults in the nation, noting that such incidents rank second only to theft in reported crimes from 2019 to 2024. Of the 218,715 cases reported nationwide in 2024, approximately 29,580 were categorized as assault-related.
The attack on Batabane has shed light on broader security issues within the region, prompting calls for increased vigilance and proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. As police continue their investigations, the community watches closely, hoping for justice and the restoration of peace.