Police in Katonga region puzzled by rising crime

Police in Katonga region are searching for crime gangs terrorising the area.

Katonga region comprises several districts of Mpigi, Butambala, Gomba and parts of Masaka District.

The armed gangs reportedly attack passengers, homes and factories where they steal property and cash.

The latest attack happened on Thursday morning when four armed thugs attacked Ms  Sarah Nakiboneka, a renowned businesswoman and resident of Kikondo village in Kiringente Sub-county, Mpigi District.

Ms Nakiboneka said that the attackers who were armed with one AK 47 riffle, two pistols and machetes, assaulted her security guard and cut the burglar proofing of one of the windows to enter the house.

“They took off with two flat screen television sets, money and other household items,” Ms  Nakiboneka said.

Katonga Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr Phillip Mukasa says the attackers used a stolen Toyota Kluger car, Reg. No. UBB 913H to transport the items.

Police say the car which was stolen from an Asian national, in Kalungu District, was later abandoned on the road.

Mr Mukasa said the iron bar hit men who mainly target boda boda riders have invaded the area.

He said they have received information indicating that there the gangs steal the motorcycles, dismantle them and sell the spare parts mainly in Kampala city.

He said an average of four cases are registered every week mostly in Gomba District.

Katonga Regional Police Commander, Mr Francis Chemusto said that as the hunt for the gang members progresses, boda boda operators should avoid working in the wee hours of the night and to stop dropping passengers in isolated  places.