Kagadi, Uganda – The territorial police in Albertine and Kagadi have arrested 7 members of a criminal gang that has been terrorizing residents in Kagadi district over the past two months.
The gang is accused of carrying out a series of armed robberies and attacks across the district. As a result, a joint operation was conducted by police and UPDF in Muhorro town council, leading to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of an AK-47 gun, ammunition, and military attire.
According to police spokesperson SCP Enanga Fred, the 6 arrested suspects include 34-year-old army deserter Pte Kato Ivan, who was allegedly leading the gang’s operations. Other arrested suspects are 34-year-old Aliganyira Richard of Kyenjojo district, 34-year-old barber Fina Patrick of Fort Portal city, 25-year-old bodaboda rider Luweza Chris of Fort Portal, 26-year-old Kyaligonza Yasin alias ‘Boy’ from Kagadi district, 26-year-old bar manager Agaba Januarious of Kagadi district, and 19-year-old barmaid Katushabe Natasha of Kagadi district.
The gang had allegedly been using the Service Point Bar in Nyamariga cell as their meeting point, planning area, and hideout before and after robberies, with the knowledge of the bar owner.
The recovered AK-47, ammunition, and military attire have been submitted for ballistic testing, to determine if they link the gang to other crimes. Investigations are also underway to identify other potential victims.
Enanga stated that the arrests demonstrate the police’s commitment to ending violent crime and restoring peace in Kagadi district. He called on the public to remain vigilant and report any criminal activity to authorities.
The 7 suspects are currently in police custody pending further investigations and charges. Police have assured residents that they will continue operations to apprehend dangerous armed gangs across the country.