With almost two weeks of reactive security operations against the viscous murders in the greater Masaka region, the Joint Security Agencies have disclosed that they are steadily defeating the assailants who had wreaked fear among members of the public.
“We wish to inform the public that relative peace and security has been restored in the Greater Masaka Districts of Lwengo and Masaka,” said Police Spokesperson CP Fred Enanga during a security press briefing held in Kampala on Monday.
According to security, the last incident of attack by the panga-wielding assailants was an attempted murder on Nakyanzi Maria Yozefu, aged 61, which occurred in Kyotera on September 2, 2021.
“It is now 11 days without any new attack in the two districts or threats of anonymous letters in the area,” Enanga said.
Although some residents are still living in fear and frustration, Enanga said the Joint Security Task Teams are trying their very best to put an end to the senseless acts of violence that claimed a total of 26 innocent lives in the past two months.
Last week, an additional 4 suspects were arrested in connection to the viscous crimes and they are; Kabuye Faisal aged 27, Tamale Frank aged 32, Musumba Bernard aged 22 and Kirenga Badru aged 47, who were charged to court on September 10th for the alleged murder of Kayemba Sowedi, a 29 year old businessman who was waylaid and hacked to death at Mpumudde village in Lwengo district.
Enanga revealed that the four were tracked down in an expansive investigation and arrested from Kampala, in connection with the vicious killings.
“The Joint Security Agencies continue to maintain increased presence in the two districts, in close coordination with local leaders, politicians, community groups and the media among others. We are jointly monitoring the situation and remain united in support for crime reduction and safety. Our top priority remains pursuing all investigative leads and tracking down the remaining culprits who form part of the vicious gang,” he said.
“In our enhanced assessments and risk analysis, we have proactively mobilised the community (local leaders and the youth), to help prevent further attacks against the elderly and other vulnerable persons. We have also offered security tips, to the elderly, local leaders, business owners and the community,” he added.
Although some local leaders were advocating for a strong arm type of policing, by arming the youth with pangas and related weapons, the Joint Security forces strongly objected to this arrangement and advised them to refrain from it, “since it can lead to further acts of violence.”
“The residents should be in no doubt because we are doing everything necessary to restore calm, safety and security,” said security.
