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15 suspected members of machete-wielding gangs operating in the areas of Nabweru, Nansana Municipality in Wakiso district and Nateete Wakaliga, Rubaga Division in Kampala have been arrested.
The Nabweru suspects were arrested in an intelligence-led operation while those of Wakaliga were arrested during police night patrols. Nine of seven Nabweru operations suspects were identified as Boaz Muhairwe, Ricky Kakama, Patrick Kigongo, Haruna Jagwe, Collins Muhangi, Nicholas Rwere, and Edie Muwonge.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed that they have been operating in Nansana, Nabweru and parts along 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, deputy Kampala metropolitan police spokesperson said the Nabweru suspects are currently detained at Nabweru police stations pending a court trial. Three of the six other suspects were arrested in Nateete-Wakaliga are identified as Robert Ssenjobe alias Soda, Elvis Kateregga and Mark. These were reportedly found by Wakaliga police post officers on night foot patrol with machetes.
Upon arrest, police discovered that they had already committed some robberies and were found with stolen flat TV screens. Ssenjobe reportedly revealed other dangerous weapons they had used in the robbery which include knives and iron bars. Kateregga also revealed the master keys they use in opening locks during the robberies.
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 a spike in burglaries and robberies. Kampala has recently been riddled with various criminal gangs including the flying kick and hammer squads 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 Sundat stacked in a sack in the areas of Masiro, Nakulabye. Police suspect she was probably attacked by people known to her since the body was naked.