The Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke has disclosed that the police force has stepped up operations geared at curbing the rising incidents of robberies and burglaries by organized criminal gangs in and around Kampala, and that by press time, eight leaders of such groups who have been top on the list of the force’s wanted criminals had been arrested.
The eight combed out of their hideouts in Katooke – Nabweru in Nansana Municipality were identified as Ramathan Waiswa, Hakim Kyambadde, Edward Waisoko, Lawrence Kisitu, Rashid Mugulisi, Timothy Luyima and Brian Kasozi.
According to Rusoke, those arrested, who have been travelling on boda bodas, have been attacking their victims whom they rob after hitting them with measuring weights, concrete pavers and until recently, machetes.
Areas cited as the biggest targets for the hitmen include Makindye,Nansana, Nakawa, Lubaga and Kawempe where unsuspecting travellers are either waylaid by robbers walking on foot, or those travelling on motorcycles. They are also said to be targeting mobile money business people and residences which they break into.
Most recent incidents include Matugga residents who were cut by the machete wielding robbers as they attempted to intercept them; over ten households in Kaayi village were attacked, residents including Yunus Mubiru cut with machetes and he is nursing wounds.
Another resident Angela Charity said she was shocked when she woke up to near blazing torch lights in her bedroom, and a machete held on her throat with her attackers menacingly asking for money.
Charity said she lost sh700,000 cash and other property including two mobile phone sets to the robbers. The area councillor Kyeyune Zam confirmed the incident, and added that the attackers are very ruthless and deadly as they use machetes and other weapons.
In a meeting convened by the RDC Charles Lwanga and other security operatives, residents of Nansana reported that the rogues have camped at the empty space from where NEMA conducted evictions, and that they use it as their springboard for day and night operations.
A resident of Nabweru South identified as Umar Ssekandi said the attackers stand by the roadside and pounce on their victims stripping them of all valuables. He also reported a dangerous group going by the name ‘Kasolo Group operating in Nabweru and Maganjo, comprising youngsters aged between 11 and 23 years.
In areas like Wamala-Ttaba zone where revellers’ night long music blares nonstop, the thugs take advantage of this and their victims suffer helplessly especially at Kawaala flyover where their scouts stand and alert their colleagues underneath when prospective victims are approaching.
Other dangerous spots cited include a place known as ‘Kukibulooka’, near Oasis Bar in Lugoba, Jinja-Kalooli, Nabweru-Maganjo and Matugga near Kobil Filling station.
Last week, Buloba village along Mityana road was stormed by the thugs who conducted a house-to-house operation sweeping residences of all valuables, and cutting those attempting to resist with machetes.
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In Nakawa Division, Muwanga Andrew, a resident, said most monotonous places include Go-down zone, Soweto, Black Street, Jobless Corner, Amka, and Tomato Sauce. They also lay ambushes along a place known as Airport, Ring Road, Church Road Mutungo and Cecilia Road where they are said to attack even during broad daylight.
In Soweto and Go-Down areas near Butabika Mental Hospital, the youths openly smoke marijuana and other drugs and thereafter make daring attacks without any fear. Without mentioning names, Luzira LC I councilor, Fatumah Naigaga expressed disappointment that some security operatives collaborate with these criminals in executing their deadly attacks.
And Butuukirwa LC I Chairperson in Bukoto ward, Mwanje Ben said they are usually attacked by fencing wall climbers who target vehicle parts and water meters, while in Kyanja, councillor Bonny Ssemanda said the assailants lay ambushes along Kyanja Ring Road. At Kanyanya there is a youth popularly known as ‘Black General’ who is said to be at the head of a big group.
What residents say:
Juliet Mawanda says that they have become so impudent that they now attack during the day; she suggested formation of civilian security groups to confront and weed out these criminals while Sseggane Jackline appeals to locals to respect night security operatives who conduct foot patrols.
Janet Nakatudde says parents who withhold information about their children engaged in such activities are to blame for these criminal activities. Nakazibwe Fatia appealed to local authorities to prevail on owners of uncompleted and abandoned buildings to demolish or complete them.
