In response to a surge in violent crime in the capital, the Police have reactivated a special purpose taskforce, according to police spokesman Fred Enanga. This elite team aims to address the menace posed by a new gang notorious for their brutal “snap kick” attacks, where victims are rendered unconscious with a kick to the chin before being robbed.
The resurgence of violent crime has alarmed city residents, who have voiced their concerns in neighborhood meetings and on social media. They have questioned the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in ensuring public safety. Enanga, speaking at the police's weekly press briefing at their Naguru headquarters, reassured the public.
"We wouldn’t want Ugandans to lose hope. Through our Directorate of Crime Intelligence and the Flying Squad Unit, we have conducted several operations, arresting numerous individuals behind these violent attacks." he said.
The reactivated taskforce, described as a "crack team," includes top personnel from the police’s crime intelligence, criminal investigations directorate (CID), and the Flying Squad. The team operates under the command of Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander Stephen Tanui, with CID Director Tom Magambo and Crime Intelligence chief AIGP Christopher Damulira providing strategic oversight.
The decision to revive the taskforce was driven by the recognition that the escalating violent crime in Kampala posed a significant public safety threat. The city has experienced various waves of violent crime over the years, prompting the government to adopt different strategies.
In the early 2000s, President Museveni tasked Col Elly Kayanja with leading Operation Wembley to curb armed robberies. This operation evolved into the Violent Crime Crack Unit (VCCU), which was later disbanded due to human rights violations. The Flying Squad Unit, which succeeded the VCCU, faced similar accusations, leading to its personnel being integrated into the Directorate of Crime Intelligence.
Enanga assured the public that the special taskforce would restore order, especially as Kampala prepares to host thousands of visitors for the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations. The city has witnessed a variety of violent crimes, with some gangs using motorcycles to ambush victims and others using iron bars or pavers to incapacitate and rob individuals. Several incidents have been captured on police CCTV cameras in various parts of the city.
In response to the crime wave, police have arrested about 500 suspects from Kampala and Wakiso District. Most of these suspects are young adults, aged 18 or under, who are inspired by heist videos they watch in movies. Enanga emphasized the role of the public in combating crime, criticizing bystanders who do not intervene during attacks.
Investigations have revealed that many suspects were recently released from prison and have since formed new gangs. Some of these individuals train in boxing gyms within city ghettos, and Boda Boda riders are often involved in scouting potential targets. Enanga urged banks to enhance their security measures to prevent criminals from targeting customers withdrawing cash.
A recent victim of such a crime was Simon Segeye, a 53-year-old Ethiopian businessman. Segeye was attacked and robbed by a gang after a Boda Boda ride to his residence in Kansanga Parish, losing Shs350,000.
With the reactivation of the special taskforce, Kampala’s police are determined to curb the rising tide of crime and ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.
