Residents of Kampala and its suburbs are gripped by fear and paranoia as criminal gangs resurface, attacking victims even in broad daylight. In recent weeks, numerous videos have surfaced on social media, depicting these violent assaults and sparking widespread concern.
Recent weeks have seen a series of videos circulating on social media, highlighting violent assaults. One notable video shows Ashraf Kiiza attempting to rob Sam Turyamuhaki at Bashir Grain Millers in Nateete Kuttaano. Armed with a panga and hammer, Kiiza violently demanded money, attacking Turyamuhaki, who managed to defend himself, sustaining minor injuries. Kiiza was later arrested in Kyotera and presented in court on May 21, 2024, where he was remanded to Luzira until June 27.
Another disturbing video captured on Ben Kiwanuka Street shows Tomson Mugisha being assaulted by two attackers. Mugisha was incapacitated by a powerful kick before being repeatedly beaten on the ground as onlookers did nothing. The attackers robbed him of Shs 450,000, important documents, and other belongings.
Police tracked down and arrested the suspects involved in the Ben Kiwanuka Street assault. Derrick Mugisa, also known as “Musota,” Peter Senyonjo, known as “Kakima,” and Nuur Lweyama, known as “Mu TZ (Tanzanian),” were apprehended. The trio admitted to acting under the command of another individual, who police are actively seeking to apprehend.
In another incident, it is alleged that Isaac Mukumbi, a physics and math teacher at St. Maria Goretti Girls SS, died after being attacked by thugs. Mukumbi suffered a cranial haemorrhage and died at Mulago Hospital. This attack is part of a broader pattern of criminal activities affecting areas such as Kawempe, Nabweru, Nateete, Kasubi, and the Northern Bypass.
Robberies involving thugs wielding pangas, throwing pavers, and posing as boda riders and taxi drivers have raised significant security concerns. A recent operation by the Crime Intelligence Unit in Kampala Metropolitan Police and the Flying Squad Unit Kampala Metropolitan South led to the arrest of four suspects from a taxi criminal gang targeting women traveling to work early or returning late. These suspects, posing as taxi operators, would strangle and rob women before dumping their bodies.
Fred Enanga, the police spokesman, urged the public to be cautious when boarding taxis that are not from gazetted stages and advised moving in groups. He highlighted the need for security organs to intensify efforts to curb these crimes.
Victims of these crimes have shared their harrowing experiences. Brian Ssewakiryanga from Kireka lost his new motorcycle worth about Shs 5 million to thieves who stole it from his home. Despite reporting the matter to the police, he received little assistance as officers demanded more money to follow up the case.
Shadia Mukyaala, a trader at Ham Shopping Grounds, also suffered a loss when thieves stole her brand-new laptop and money. Although CCTV footage recorded the theft, the culprits had already sold the laptop by the time they were tracked down.
Former police officer and security analyst Fred Egesa criticized the effectiveness of police patrols and attributed the rise in criminal activity to poor legislation and the impounding of motorcycles, which forces some individuals into criminal activity. He noted that motorcycles impounded by traffic officers often gather dust at police stations, pushing their owners towards criminal gangs for survival.
Pius Katunzi, a regular user of online transport applications, raised concerns about discrepancies between the vehicle number plates displayed on the apps and the actual vehicles that arrive. He highlighted this as a potential threat if the driver turns out to be a criminal.
Luke Oweyesigire, the deputy spokesperson of Kampala Metropolitan Police, stated that crime activities are not new and have always been investigated and resolved. The leaking of CCTV footage now aids in the easier identification of suspects. He assured the public that police have increased patrols in both busy and less busy areas to ensure timely responses to incidents of violence.
