Violent crimes continue to unsettle Ugandans

The killing of Rugby Cranes player Sydney Gongodyo by a mob in Kira in Kampala on Friday has renewed concerns about public safety and the growing incidence of mob justice amid reports of murder, robbery and theft in different parts of the country.

Gongodyo, 27, was allegedly attacked by an angry crowd after being accused of snatching a woman's handbag.

His death has drawn attention to the security challenges facing communities and the increasing tendency by some members of the public to take the law into their own hands.

The incident comes at a time when security agencies across the country are grappling with cases of murder, violent crime and mob action, even as authorities maintain that the overall security situation remains stable.

In the Kigezi sub-region, police have attributed the rampant murder cases to domestic violence and land-related disputes among community members.

The Kigezi Regional Police Community Liaison Officer, Mr Gilbert Kags Mwebembezi, said most of the murder cases registered in recent months stem from family conflicts and disagreements over land ownership.

According to records at the Kigezi Regional Police headquarters, eight murder cases were recorded in April this year, rising to 10 in May. So far, two murder cases have been registered in June.

Police data indicates that the majority of the killings were classified as murder by assault, while others involved stabbing, strangulation and mob action.

Mr Mwebembezi said police have intensified community policing efforts to curb the trend through public sensitisation campaigns.

"We are carrying out community policing to sensitise the public about the consequences of committing criminal offences, especially murder. We use FM radio programmes, community meetings, churches and other public gatherings to educate people and discourage criminality," he said.

The Director of Local Sustainable Communities Organisation (LOSCO), Mr Albert Taremwa, said the murders are also being driven by drug abuse, poverty and gender-based violence arising from misunderstandings among married couples.

Mr Taremwa called for stronger community engagement and enforcement of local governance structures to address the root causes of violent crime.

“There is a need to intensify community policing to sensitise people about the laws and penalties for various criminal offences as a way of deterring potential offenders. Functional local council systems can also play a key role in combating crime at the village level,” he said.

He urged community leaders, law enforcement agencies and residents to work together to resolve disputes peacefully and address social challenges that often escalate into violence.

In Kaberamaido District, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a businessman who was hacked to death.

The deceased, Robert Oseng, 54, a resident of Okorakok A Village in Kaberamaido Sub-county, was killed on the night of June 6, 2026.

According to the East Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr Ibrahim Saiga, preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased had an ongoing land dispute with his brothers, a matter that was already before court. He added that the victim had previously received threats to his life.

Mr Saiga said a team of officers visited and processed the crime scene, and a police K9 unit was deployed, which successfully tracked and led to the arrest of three relatives of the deceased, who remain in custody to assist with investigations.

He added that on the night of the incident, the deceased’s wife discovered his body lying in a pool of blood along his usual route home after repeated failed attempts by family members to reach him by phone.

“An alarm was raised, prompting a police response,” Mr Saiga said.

Police in East Kyoga have condemned acts of violence and urged the public to resolve disputes, especially those related to land, through lawful channels.

In Serere District, police are investigating the murder of Lance Corporal Ojakol Michael, with two suspects in custody.

The South Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, Mr Stephen Mukombe, identified the suspects as Mercy Iyogil, a teacher at Olio Primary School, and Stephen Anukun, both residents of Upper Shops in Serere Town Council. The two are being held to assist with investigations.

Ojakol, a UPDF soldier, was allegedly killed last week. His body was found hanging from a mango tree within a school compound while he was on leave in his home village of Agoltom.

In West Nile, residents continue to live in fear amid rising cases of theft and burglary.

In Arua City, on June 2, security forces arrested seven suspected members of criminal gangs during a night operation.

The suspects, mainly young people, are believed to be behind a series of robberies involving the theft of mobile phones, household items and laptops, as well as bag snatching targeting members of the public.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the West Nile region, Ms Josephine Angucia, said authorities have intensified intelligence-led operations against criminal elements threatening the safety of communities.

“We continue to intensify intelligence-led operations against criminal elements that threaten the safety of our communities,” she said, urging young people to engage in productive activities instead of resorting to crime.

In a separate incident on June 6, a police officer attached to Nebbi Central Police Station, Mr Joseph Olupot, was shot by a colleague during an arrest operation. He later died at Nebbi Hospital from bullet wounds.

Ms Angucia said four other people, Mr Charles Okecha, Ms Irene Pimer Irene, two-year-old Joy Epifania and Mr Charles Orochi were also injured in the incident.

She added that the officer involved, Mr Sam Okello, was arrested and is assisting in investigations.

In Yumbe District, on June 3, 2026, Mr Arish Afosiko, a resident of Ireke Village in Apo Sub-county, was beaten by a mob and later succumbed to his injuries.

In Adjumani District, on May 30, the Police Public Relations Officer for the North West Nile region, Mr Collins Asea, said a group of about six individuals attacked residents of Pawinnyo Village in Lugongwa Parish, Dzaipi Sub-county.

“The attackers stole a landowner’s property, taking an ox plough and four oxen, which they later transported to their home village of Sukari in Adidi Parish, Dzaipi Sub-county. The recovered ox plough and four oxen have been exhibited and returned to their rightful owners,” he said.

In Mbarara City, residents are reporting an increase in cases of theft and house breaking, particularly in the outskirts of the central business area.

Some residents attribute the rise in crime to the recent enforcement of trade order regulations, which they say left a number of people unemployed. Areas identified as hotspots include Kijungu, Kisenyi, Biafra, Kamukuzi, Ruti and Katete.

In a recent security meeting, the Mayor of Mbarara City North Division, Mr Jomo Mugabe, together with security officials, directed LC I chairpersons to register all residents as part of efforts to curb criminal activity.

“There are small groups of criminals who are terrorising residents, especially at night, but we have intensified our operations and they will be dealt with,” he said.

Mbarara Resident City Commissioner, Ms Catherine Kamwiine, said security agencies have stepped up operations and community policing to ensure suspects are arrested.

“We have intensified security operations and community policing to ensure a few wrong elements are arrested. Apart from petty crime, security is calm here,” she said.

In Ibanda District, the Resident District Commissioner, Mr Godfrey Mbetegyereize, said the security situation in the area remains stable, with only isolated cases of livestock theft reported.

“There was a racket of livestock thieves, but through coordinated operations we managed to arrest them, and they will be arraigned in court soon,” he said.

In Jinja District, authorities say the area has recorded no significant incidents of insecurity over the past month, according to the district security committee.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Mr Samuel Kawuta, who is also a member of the security committee, said there had previously been isolated cases of thuggery in the sub-counties of Butagaya and Kakira, but security forces responded swiftly and arrested suspects to restore calm.

“There had been cases of attacks on people by some criminals in Butagaya and Kakira a month ago, but our security team went on the ground and acted quickly to avert the situation by arresting suspects,” Mr Kawuta said.

However, Mr Kawuta expressed concern over what he described as the release of suspects by some top government officials, despite being identified by communities as repeat offenders.

He noted that such actions, he said, contribute to the recurrence of crime in affected areas.

In Busoga North, police say the security situation remains generally calm despite isolated criminal incidents reported in some parts of the region.

The Busoga North Police spokesperson, Mr Samson Lubega, said security agencies have intensified intelligence-led operations, community policing and patrols to prevent crime and apprehend suspects involved in criminal activities.

"We continue to work closely with the public through community policing structures to identify and deal with criminal elements. We encourage residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to security agencies in time," Mr Lubega said.

He noted that while cases of theft, assault and other crimes are occasionally reported, police have strengthened surveillance and response mechanisms to ensure public safety.

Mr Lubega urged the public to avoid mob justice and instead allow security agencies to investigate and prosecute suspects through the legal process.

He also appealed to local leaders and communities to support crime prevention efforts by sharing information that can help security agencies detect and prevent crime before it occurs.

"We want to assure the public that security remains a priority. We shall continue conducting operations and working with all stakeholders to maintain peace and security in the region," he added.

Spate of armed killings in Gulu, Omoro leave security puzzled

One person has died while four others have been injured in Omoro district following four separate incidents of armed robberies in the past month.

The Daily Monitor has established that neither a gun nor a suspect has been recovered since the incidents.

On May 11, unknown assailants, during a heavy downpour, raided Lalogi police station at about 8:30 PM and broke into the unit of one of its officers, 50-year-old Beatrice Awor, attached to Lalogi sub-county police station.

The armed assailants reportedly attacked Awor in her house when it was heavily raining and started strangling and assaulting her before grabbing her rifle and fleeing with it.

According to police, the victim’s (Awor) uniport was open, and she was seated inside on a mat when the assailants entered and overpowered her.

“The assailants managed to escape with the gun No. UG POL 48014235-15938 with 30 rounds of ammunition. A case of aggravated robbery entered at Lalogi police station vide Sd ref: 14/11/05/2026 and now Omoro CRB 320/2026. Suspects unknown, the hunt is on to recover the gun,” a police statement says.

According to security sources, on May 27, a businessman was robbed at gunpoint in Lalogi Town Council, less than 200 meters from the Lalogi police station.

Although the armed robbers made off with more than Shs10M, leaving him unarmed, a food vendor survived an attack four days later when a group of armed robbers, reportedly three in number, sprayed bullets at her and a bodaboda rider who carried her from her home in Rom cell, Abuga parish, Abuga sub-county, Omoro district.

The food vendor, identified as Gloria Ajok, who operates at Lacor Centre in For-God parish, Gulu City, was robbed of her handbag while the boda bodas rider survived with serious injuries when the bullet pierced through his stomach at about 10:00 PM, according to sources.

Victim of mob attack: Sidney Gongodyo

Before a conclusive finding by security could be arrived at over the June 1 shooting, on June 3 (Wednesday), residents of Koch-Ongako Trading Centre in Koch Ongako Sub-County, Omoro district, were left in shock when three armed men raided a mobile money shop and killed its agent before fleeing with an unspecified amount of money.

This publication established that the incident occurred a few minutes past 8:00 PM. According to eyewitnesses, the robbers riding on a motorcycle parked in front of the shop and advanced to the counter under the pretence of depositing money before opening fire on the attendant.

“One of them remained on the motorcycle, and two entered the shop, inside which two other clients were transacting,” Alfred Ojok, a boda boda motorist at Koc Ongako trading centre, explained.

According to Ojok, the robbers shot at the agent five times in the chest when he declined their orders that he should hand over all the cash in his safe.

"The robber with the gun stood by the door and shot the agent multiple times. His accomplice went behind the counter and grabbed the money. The shots also injured the two other clients," Ojok added.

The Mobile Money shop is located 400 metres from the Koch-Ongako police station.

On Thursday, Mr Amiir Magulu, the Omoro district police commander, declined to comment on the incident, citing ongoing investigations.

Mr Christopher Okello, an eyewitness, says that at about 8:40 PM, unknown assailants dressed in black jackets with caps gained access to a mobile money shop and they opened fire and that the victim, Raymond Onen, was shot in the chest and leg.

He said that the robbers sped off towards Koch Goma in Nwoya district and that the injured victims were evacuated to St Mary’s hospital, Lacor, for medical attention.

“The shop owners started closing their shops and went into hiding when the incident occurred. The agent, Onen, who operated a shop called Multi-Com Enterprises, died shortly of bullet injuries after being attacked by armed men while operating mobile money.” He stated.

“Police officers rushed to the scene, unfortunately, the attackers had already fled. They were pursued, but the police lost track of them at the Koch-Goma Town Council, where they disappeared.” He added.

According to police, the assailants used a motorcycle Hero Hunter to exit the scene after executing their mission.

“The victim, Onen Raymond, was rushed to St Mary's Hospital, Lacor, on Boda boda for medical attention, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead. The assailants were dressed in black jackets with caps, and they used a motorcycle. They were also armed with an SMG AK47 rifle, and they exited the scene of the crime unidentified through the back.” David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa West police spokesman, said.

In an interview, Mr Emmanuel Okot, the Omoro resident district commissioner, said that no suspect has since been apprehended by security forces following the four incidents and that neither the stolen police gun nor the guns used in the attacks have been recovered.

“The preliminary information about the mobile money shooting on Wednesday is that they raided the shop and robbed an unspecified amount of money, and we are informed that the robbers had two guns.” Mr Okot said.

According to Mr Okot, the Wednesday evening incident is one of the several armed raids recorded in the district in the past month.

“This is not the first time, remember the incident of May 11th when they grabbed a gun from Lalogi police station, and on the night of Idd fete, a businessman was robbed in Lalogi by gunmen, and then the woman who was shot at in Abuga several days ago,” Mr Okot explained.

“We are pursuing the robbers with the joint efforts of the police and the UPDF soldiers. Yesterday, when the incident occurred, UPDF soldiers arrived at the scene first after we alerted them,” Mr Okot said.

In Omoro’s neighbouring Gulu district and Gulu City, a wave of violent gun attacks has put security on tenterhooks, prompting an operation aimed at reining in the armed criminals that are now said to be causing sleepless nights among the business community.

Earlier on, the UPDF 4th Division commander, Maj. Gen Felix Busizoori told the media that the UPDF was working with other security agencies to curtail the increasing gun violence in the region.

The army links the attackers to armed cartels operating across Lango, West Nile and Acholi sub-regions.

Whereas Gen Busizoori said all efforts had been put in place and that they were determined to apprehend the culprits, this publication has established that none of the guns used in the five different armed robberies in Gulu City and Gulu district has been recovered.

Mr David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa West regional police spokesman, said that a joint counterforce had been established to investigate the surge in gun violence in the region.

Although he did not detail the development for fear of jeopardizing the investigations, he confirmed that the army and the police had jointly deployed.

It is also established that while the gun recently grabbed from a security guard at LT Energy Petrol Station in Laliya Trading Centre, Kasubi Ward in Gulu City has not been recovered, the suspects who were captured on CCTV cameras are yet to be apprehended.

The fuel station incident left Ronald Obedi, a security guard attached to Samurai Security Services, dead when three masked assailants stormed the LT Energy Limited on May 5.

Ten days later, a businessman identified as Wilfred Ojok was shot dead by armed robbers at Paromo cell, Paduny parish, Awach Town Council in Gulu district on May 16.

Ojok was shot at about 9:00 PM when he attended the shop on behalf of his father, Silas Komakech.

Victor Otori, an eyewitness and a resident of the same village, said that a scuffle ensued between the unidentified suspects and the shopkeeper after the former tried to break the counter and access money.

The Daily Monitor established that whereas one of the suspects entered the shop to confront the attendant, his armed accomplice stood outside and placed all the merry-makers who were drinking in front of the shop, at gunpoint.

“Preliminarily, we have established that the two men, allegedly dressed in raincoats, came to the shop and one entered inside, disguised to be a buyer while his accomplice remained outside at the verandah and placed people who were playing cards outside the shop at gunpoint.” A police report stated.

However, the one who entered charged towards the counter and grabbed the money, but the deceased resisted by fighting back, prompting his colleague to shoot at him during a tense altercation, it said.

Past incidents

1.April 30. Michael Komakech, a mason in Gulu City robbed of Shs3 million by an armed boda-boda rider at Wii Layibi, a Gulu City suburb.

2.May 2: Armed robbers waylaid Morris Onen Onna and robbed him of his motorcycle, UG Boss registration number UFM 917 C, at For God, located about 500 meters from the St Joseph’s Cathedral in Gulu City.

3.May 4. Denis Kilama, a security guard attached to Corporate Security Ltd, is held for robbing Sh5 million from a businessman in Gulu City.

4.May 5. Fedenaldo Ocora, a bodabodas rider, is robbed of his motorcycle registration UGD 940F by unknown gunmen Keyi 'B' Cell via Kabedopong trading centre.

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