By Johnson Kanyesige
Five suspected thugs are in custody at Kigorobya police station in Hoima district.
The suspects whose particulars have since been concealed by police for fear of jeopardizing investigations were picked up on Tuesday in an intelligence-led operation conducted jointly by the police, Uganda People Defence Forces -UPDF soldiers and other sister security agencies in Kigorobya town council and Kiryatete, a suburb of Hoima city respectively.
Security also recovered several suspected stolen properties including solar panels, a television screen, Hoofers, several SIM Cards belonging to various Telecommunication Networks, sharp knives, house breaking tools including hammers and laptop bags among other items.
The thugs are believed to be behind the numerous attacks on residents of Kigorobya town council since October last year. They would raid and break into homes at night hours stealing property.
The thugs would also waylay people going home from work and rob them of valuables.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson said that they were compelled to conduct the operation following numerous cases and complaints registered about increased attacks on residents within Kigorobya town council.
According to Hakiza, some of the suspects were found hiding in uncompleted structures both within Kigorobya town council and Kiryatete while others were found smoking marijuana in groups.
Hakiza says those arrested from Kigorobya would liaise with their counterparts in Hoima City to sell the suspected stolen items.
He says Police and other security agencies have intensified both foot and motorized night patrols to ensure that such criminals are arrested and eliminated from the community.
Richard Magezi, a resident of Kigorobya town council says, more operations need to be conducted by police and other security agencies following the escalating cases of thefts and house break-ins in the area. He says it has become difficult for people to walk at night because of suspected criminals in the area.
Patrick Musinguzi, a resident of Kigorobya town council says, the thugs have been giving them sleepless nights. Â He has appealed to the police not to release the arrested suspects because there is enough evidence against them.
In October 2024, thugs attacked and critically injured Jackson Mugenyi Mulindambura, the LC5 Councilor for Kiganja sub-county in Hoima district.
