Fear Grips Kawempe as Night Attacks Surge in Corner Zone

Residents of Nkere Village and Corner Zone in Kazo Angola Parish, Kawempe Division, are living in fear following a surge in violent attacks by suspected criminals, with many now considering abandoning their homes.

The residents say the situation has become unbearable, with attacks happening both during the day and at night, leaving many injured and traumatized.

“We no longer sleep,” one resident said. “These criminals attack us at any time. Many of us have been beaten and left with serious injuries, while others have lost their property.”

According to residents, the suspected attackers are mainly youth from within the same community, a situation they say has made it difficult to control the crime wave.

“These are our own children, but they have turned against us,” another resident explained. “They beat us, rob us, and leave us suffering.”

The residents attribute the worsening insecurity to a leadership vacuum in the area after the LC1 chairperson, Mathias Mulumba, reportedly relocated to Matuga, while his deputy also left the area.

“Our leaders abandoned us,” a resident lamented. “The LC1 office is always closed, and we have nowhere to report our issues.”

Corner Zone is a densely populated area with residents engaged in various economic activities including vending, market trade, and small-scale businesses. However, the lack of active leadership has left the community vulnerable.

Residents say the situation further deteriorated after the arrest of Gerald Sande, a local defense official who had been coordinating night patrols.

“Gerald Sande was helping us maintain security,” one resident said. “Since he was arrested, the criminals have returned and are now more aggressive.”

Sande was arrested following allegations linking him to the death of a suspected criminal identified as Yudah Kavuma, who was reportedly lynched by an angry mob.

Victims of the attacks shared harrowing experiences, with some displaying scars and injuries sustained during the assaults.

Vicent Mayengo, a trader at Nakasero Market, said he narrowly survived a brutal attack.

“They attacked me and beat me badly,” Mayengo said. “I still have scars on my body. It is something I cannot forget.”

Residents also named suspected gang members including individuals known as Musege, Dog D, and Owetanzaniya, accusing them of orchestrating attacks in the area. The group is also said to have assaulted a security guard at a nearby school, leaving him seriously injured and robbing him of his belongings.

Despite the fear, some residents expressed controversial views, saying they would prefer the release of Sande if it would help restore order.

“If it is possible, they should release him,” one resident said. “We need security more than anything right now.”

The community is now appealing to security agencies to intervene urgently before the situation worsens.

“We are tired and desperate,” another resident added. “If nothing is done, we may be forced to leave this place to the criminals.”

When contacted, LC1 chairperson Mathias Mulumba dismissed claims that his relocation is to blame for the insecurity.

“My leaving the area does not mean people should take the law into their own hands,” Mulumba said. “They should elect a new chairperson, and I am no longer responsible for the village.”

Residents, however, insist that without immediate action, the insecurity will continue to escalate, putting more lives at risk.