Kill all thieves on sight, army officer tells locals
Lt Col David Lukanga (C) and Maj Elly Nsobya (L) dance during a party at Kabimbiri Primary School in Mukono District on Sunday. Col Lukanga advised that all thieves should be killed since they frustrate development. PHOTO BY JOHNSON MAYAMBA.
What you need to know:
Mob justice. Lt Col David Lukanga says killing thieves is the only way the rest can learn to work hard.
Kampala- An army officer has advised residents of Mukono District to kill all thieves, saying this is the only way to reduce crime in the district.
Lt Col David Lukanga said all residents should keep petrol or paraffin, tyres and match boxes in their homes to deal with criminals.
“When these people(robbers/thieves) come to steal or rob, they torture the victims and even kill them. Why should we have mercy on them yet they never have mercy on us?” Col Lukanga said.
“Why should we pamper them yet the rob and kill innocent people? Once you get them, burn,” he added.
Col Lukanga made the remarks yesterday at Kikube Primary School in Kasawo Sub-county, while welcoming back Maj Elly Nsobya Kigozi, who has been in exile since 1992.
He stressed that killing thieves is the only way the rest can learn to work hard than planning to traumatise others.
“Once you get any of them, alert me or any other leader in your area to help you in burning,” the army officer added.
When asked why he was supporting mob action, Col Lukanga said he supports development and that thieves are the saboteurs who deserve no place in society. Mob action is criminal in Uganda’s Penal Code.
The Greater Mukono Zonal Investigative officer, Maj Moses Ssegujja, also said those opposed to this call are criminals themselves.
Maj Ssegujja advised residents that to avoid being involved in criminal activity, they should work hard, especially by getting involved in agriculture to get out of poverty.
Police speaks out
However, police spokesperson Fred Enanga disagreed with the army officer’s call, describing it as incitement of public which might lead to killing of innocent people.
“Police in Mukono should investigate that officer immediately because incitement of the public is a crime,” he added.
The army officer’s remarks come on the backdrop of several crimes, especially involving murders, that have shaken the country. Mukono District is prone to crimes such as murder, burglary and human sacrifice.
