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Wakiso, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Security have arrested 15 suspected members of machete gangs operating in areas of Nabweru, Nansana Municipality, in Wakiso district and Nateete Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, in Kampala.
The Nabweru suspects were arrested in intelligence led operation while those of Wakaliga just landed in the hands in the night police foot patrol.
Security officers who participated in the Nabweru operations have identified seven of the nine suspects as Boaz Muhairwe, Ricky Kakama, Patrick Kigongo, Haruna Jagwe, Collins Muhangi, Nicholas Rwere, and Edie Muwonge.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed that they have been operating in Nansana, Nabweru and part of Northern Bypass. “We divide ourselves in groups of four or sometimes we move about 10,” Muhairwe reportedly said. “We then target pedestrians and passengers on motorcycles in Nabweru, Nansana and along Northern Bypass.”
Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy Kampala metropolitan police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest of the Nabweru suspects, adding that they are currently detained at Nabweru police stations pending court trial.
Three of the six other suspects that were arrested by foot patrol police officers in Nateete Wakaliga are named as Robert Ssenjobe alias Soda, Elvis Kateregga and Mark. These were captured by Wakaliga Police Post officers on night foot patrol with machetes. Upon arrest, police discovered that they had already committed some crimes since they were in possession of flat TV screens.
Ssenjobe reportedly revealed other dangerous weapons they had used in the robbery which include knives, machetes and iron bars. Kateregga also revealed the master keys they use in their robberies, burglary or thefts.
Police are using Ssenjobe and Kateregga’s group to arrest their other accomplices as they wait to arraign them in courts of law. Police said the owner of the recovered items, including the TV and smartphone has been traced and his statement has been taken.
Security said they are increasing their visibility through patrols in residential areas to help curb the vice of burglaries and robberies. Kampala has of recent been riddled with various criminal gangs including Flying Kick and Hammer Squad which attack people during day and night hours.
Meanwhile, police in Old Kampala are investigating the murder of yet to be identified female adult. The victim’s body was found yesterday stacked in a sack in the areas of Masiro, Nakulabye. Police suspects she probably attacked by people known to her since the body was naked.
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