Uganda Peoples Defense Force-UPDF is determined to unearth the leadership of criminal gangs that have staged attacks in greater Masaka region, sending residents into panic.
The region is currently grappling with a new wave of insecurity in which three lives have been lost and up to 20 people injured. Over the weekend, unknown people dropped anonymous letters warning residents that they would be killed if they do not prepare money for the attackers.
This morning, two bodies were found in two separate locations around Masaka. One body of an unidentified woman was found dumped in Mutuba gardens in Masaka municipality. Another unidentified body was found dumped at Kamutuuza in Bukulula Sub County, Kalungu district.
The discovery of these two bodies comes just hours after police claimed it had normalized the situation in Masaka. Police have so far arrested 89 suspects in connection with attacks according to Asan Kasingye, the Uganda Police Spokesperson.
Brig. Gen Joseph Ssemwanga (pictured up), the Masaka Armored Brigade Commander says the pattern of attacks indicates an organized criminality. He says security must look for their leaders if the insecurity is to be resolved.
Ssemwanga says they are now looking for the ring leaders of the attacks. He says the thugs have taken advantage of lax security to attack residents.
Sowedi Sserwadda, the Kibinge LCIII Chairman notes that this wave of criminality is strange. He explains that the attackers come in big numbers an indication that they have a wide network. Sserwadda says the thug’s raid as many as ten which makes it hard for ordinary residents to fight back.
Sserwadda has asked security to fully investigate the attackers saying they could have other motives.
Last night, a group of scared residents pitched camp at Lyantonde police station after thugs dropped anonymous letters warning them of the attacks. Police have since deployed heavily to counter the thugs.
