Police, army arrest 78 over Hoima attacks
The police spokesperson, Mr Fred Enanga, said that 78 suspects had been arrested for using bows and arrows to promote lawlessness in the district. FILE PHOTO
What you need to know:
- In November 2018, four fishermen went missing after they were attacked by gunmen suspected to be from DR Congo. The incident happened at Kaiso landing site in Buseruka Sub-county, Hoima District.
Kampala. At least 78 people, including 27 Congolese, have been arrested by a joint security team following last week’s violent attacks on people in Hoima District.
Police and army launched a hunt for the suspects, who were armed with rudimentary weapons such as machetes, bows and arrows and raided Kyabisagazi II village, Kigorobya Sub-county. They robbed motorists, pedestrians and intimidated residents with arrests and death.
Police briefing
The police spokesperson, Mr Fred Enanga, told the media yesterday that 78 suspects had been arrested for using bows and arrows to promote lawlessness in the district.
“The criminal gang which comprises youth and illegal migrants of Congolese origin (Alur, Kebu and Lendu), consolidated false control over the entire neighbourhood grabbing land, robbing road users, intimidating residents with arbitrary arrests and threats to kill,” Mr Enanga said.
He said 11 out of the 78 suspects have been charged with murder of Police Constable Vincent Rutaremwa in Kigorobya under case file number CRB 031/2019.
“Additional 27 suspects are charged with illegal entry and stay in Uganda, while 40 suspects are charged with going armed in public,” Mr Enanga said.
Recovered items
Police said bows, arrows and machetes and two shoes which led to the arrest of the murder suspects were recovered and taken as exhibits. However, police said the suspected ringleader, Simon Achille, is still on the run and urged the victims to record statements with police.
“We continue to monitor the area and the country at large to prevent the re-emergence of such criminal acts and ensure no criminality continues,” Mr Enanga said.
Police said investigations were underway to establish how the 27 Congolese entered Uganda and their motive.
Similar incident
In November 2018, four fishermen went missing after they were attacked by gunmen suspected to be from DR Congo. The incident happened at Kaiso landing site in Buseruka Sub-county, Hoima District.
