After an outcry from residents in the Kagadi communities, the territorial police in Albertine region and Kagadi have arrested 7 criminal gang members who form part of a wider network that has been terrorizing people through armed robberies and attacks.
According to Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga, this mayhem has been going on for the last two months.
As a result, the police and UPDF conducted an intelligence led operation in Muhorro town council where an AK 47 gun, a magazine with 4 rounds of ammunition, 6 pairs of military camouflage clothes were recovered from their premises.
“The 6 suspects include; Pte Kato Ivan, a 34 year old army deserter, Aliganyira Richard, a 34 year old of Khumbi village in Kyenjojo district, Fina Patrick, a 34 year old barber of kahungabunyonyi in Fortportal city, Luweza Chris a 25 year old, bodaboda rider of Rwengoma cell in Fortportal, Kyaligonza Yasin alias, Boy, a 26 year old from Kyakasana village in Kagadi district, Agaba Januarious, a 26 year old, Manager of Service Point Bar, Nyamariga cell in Kagadi district and Katushabe Natasha a 19 year old, barmaid at Service Point Bar,” Police said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
“The group was being led by the army deserter Pte Kato Ivan, with their operations conducted mostly in Kagadi district. They were using Service Point Bar as their meeting point, planning zone and their hideout before and after the robberies with the knowledge of the bar owner,” the statement further indicates.
The exhibits of a gun and ammunitions were submitted to ballistic experts to establish whether there are other ballistic hits linked to the gun.
Police added that investigations are also being expanded to establish whether other members of the public were victimized by the criminal gang.
“The arrest of the suspects and recovery of exhibits, shows our level of commitment and dedication in the fight against violent armed criminals. We believe the arrest of the criminal gang, will restore sanity and peace in Kagadi district,” Police added.