By Flavia Ajok
The police in Hoima city have arrested 20 suspected criminals. The operation was conducted jointly by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the police, in conjunction with other sister security agencies, on Sunday.
The suspects were arrested in Kiryatete East and West, as well as Kiganda, all suburbs of Hoima city, following complaints from area residents, especially the business community, regarding the escalating thefts and attacks by suspected criminals in the area.
Police have since concealed particulars of the suspects as they are still undergoing scrutiny by security.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest and detention of the suspected criminals to Uganda Radio Network.
He says they were compelled to conduct the operation following numerous cases and complaints registered about increased attacks on area residents, including pedestrians and motorists.
He says some of the suspects were found hiding in uncompleted structures in Kiryatete, while others were found smoking marijuana in groups.
Hakiza says the suspects are currently undergoing screening before they are arraigned before the court to be charged accordingly.
Jolly Katusiime, a resident of Kiryatete East cell, has appealed to security to conduct more operations in the area to fight the increasing crime rate in the area.
Immaculate Kyalisiima, a resident of Kiganda, says they are forced to spend sleepless nights due to the persistent attacks by the suspected criminals.
Meanwhile, Olivia Kyakutegekere, 28, a housewife and a resident of Rwenkobe cell, Hoima West division in Hoima city, is in custody at the Hoima city Central Police station for the alleged torture of her stepson.
She was arrested on Sunday after she severely tortured Derrick Tumusiime, 9, with whom she was staying.
It is alleged that Kyakutegekere reportedly tied Tumusiime, beat and inflicted injuries on his head, chest, legs and hands for unknown reasons.
Angered by the incident, some good Samaritans alerted police, who immediately swung into action and arrested the woman.
She was immediately whisked to the Hoima city police station, where she is currently being detained.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson, says torture charges have already been preferred against the suspect, adding that once investigations are through, the suspect will be arraigned before the court to be charged with torture.
