Gang Surge Worrying Kampala

Summary:

• As insecurity rises in Kampala and its suburbs, where criminal gangs seem to be outpacing the police, residents are urged to stay vigilant. Gangs operate openly in many areas, using Boda Bodas to target victims, especially in the evenings.

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KAMPALA, (Examiner) – As insecurity surges in Kampala and its suburbs, where criminal gangs seem to have supplanted the police, Ugandans are being urged to heighten their vigilance while traveling.

Kampala has increasingly become a stronghold for criminal gangs, with many shadowy spots around the city where these gangs operate openly, often under the watchful eyes of the police.

Residents and leaders alike are questioning if they are effectively on their own. Despite this, police maintain they are still in control and have stepped up their operations.

As the capital of Uganda, Kampala hosts over six million people who commute daily for work. However, the city and its outskirts have become breeding grounds for organized gangs and robbers, primarily active in the evenings. These criminals target people returning home, robbing them of their belongings and money.

Boda Boda, the most common mode of transport for many urban dwellers, has unfortunately become a tool for criminals. It is difficult to discern who might be rogue, as organized gangs use Boda Bodas to follow and attack their targets at dark spots or their destinations.

The rise in insecurity has left many wondering if the police have relinquished control to these gangs.

During a night tour starting at Kisekka Market, one of the busiest and most notorious dark spots, a man in a red jumper was seen waiting by the road. He vanished as soon as NBS cameras were spotted. Gangs from Makerere Kivulu control this area, operating in Kisekka Market, Old Kampala, the Equatorial Hotel, and surrounding areas.

The city has been divided into zones and territories by these gangs, all seemingly under the oversight of the police. The Kifeesi gang, which controls the largest area, operates in the business district, Clock Tower, Entebbe Road, Katwe, Ben Kiwanuka Street, and Jinja Road, and is based in the slums of Nsambya and Katwe Kinyoro. Other gangs include B13 in Kyengera and Nabbingo, the Kasoro Boys in Kawempe, and the Naguru Arrows in Kololo, Lugogo, Naguru, and surrounding areas.

It appears the entire city and its suburbs, including Nansana, Kyengera, Katwe, Kampala CBD, and the Northern Bypass, are plagued by gangs. These areas are known for brutal attacks, with some victims assaulted with concrete pavers.

Security experts have raised concerns about the close relationship between the police and these criminals. Reports suggest that some police officers have criminals’ contacts saved, raising doubts about the police’s ability to effectively combat these gangs.

Security expert Fred Egesa argues that the police have been derailed for a long time. “You see the police putting all their efforts into very trivial matters. In a country where the police are close to crime, and criminals even know how to communicate with the police, your phone is grabbed, and the police ask how the thief looked, then they pick up a phone and say, ‘You people, bring back this man’s phone,'” Egesa explains.

Yasin Ssekamatte, another security expert, believes it is time for the police to resume community policing. “There is a lack of proper coordination in community policing. During the days of Kale Kayihura, Asuman Mugyenyi, and Asan Kasingye, there were periodical public engagements.”

Francis Zaake, the Shadow Minister in charge of security, highlights the challenges faced by the police, including poor working conditions and low pay, which hinder their ability to combat crime effectively. He points out that security personnel have been implicated in some crimes, underscoring the vulnerability of Ugandans.

“When you see the mobile money attacks and investigate, you find out it’s the security people. When I look at that round kick given to that white man, it’s from a professional.”

However, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman Patrick Onyango insists the police are actively addressing the insecurity and have intensified operations, including community policing.

“We are doing something. We have started and enhanced our patrols and community policing.”

Fred Egesa notes that the recently procured cameras appear faulty, with their outdated design and capabilities rendering them less effective.

“Most of the cameras are not working; they are substandard, and many of them are outdated.”

Salim Uhuru, the mayor of gang-infested Kampala Central, calls on the public to take charge of their security and remain vigilant.