Residents of Kiryandongo District are living in fear as a surge in violent crime grips Bweyale and Kigumba townships. Over the past three months, three organized gangs — the Gaza Group, Pentagon Group, and Agu Group — have intensified attacks, targeting pedestrians and homes, particularly those carrying cash or electronic gadgets.
Authorities report that the gangs, each led by a commander, operate with ruthless efficiency. Armed with machetes and iron bars, they carry out robberies, assaults, house break-ins, and motorcycle thefts, often striking without warning. The townships, which have seen rapid population growth and increased business activity, have inadvertently become safe havens for these criminal networks.
“They break into homes, snatch phones, laptops, television sets, and even mattresses,” said Jonathan Akweteireho, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC). “Boda boda riders and late commuters are also prime targets. Residents are terrorised, especially after dark.”
Community members confirm that the threat has disrupted daily life. Judith Kayom from Kigumba Town Council explained, “They strike under the cover of darkness, moving in groups. We are constantly anxious and sleepless.” Meanwhile, Jimmy Ochaya from Bweyale said businesses now close as early as 7 p.m. to avoid encounters with armed criminals.
Security forces are reportedly conducting targeted operations to dismantle the gangs, but locals are calling for more visible patrols and heightened surveillance to curb the escalating violence. Juliet Adoko, a resident of Kiryandongo Town Council, emphasized the urgency, noting that renewed interventions are critical to restoring safety in the district.
This spike mirrors previous incidents in 2023, when similar gangs plagued the area, prompting police and military deployment. Despite past interventions, the resurgence highlights the resilience of these criminal groups and the need for sustained security efforts.
Deputy RDC Akweteireho also urged residents, particularly business owners, to exercise caution by avoiding moving with large sums of money or valuables at night and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
As Kiryandongo grapples with this wave of crime, the district faces a pressing challenge: restoring public safety while keeping up with the rapid growth that has made some communities vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
