Manhunt Underway as Criminal Gangs Terrorize Kabale District

Summary:

Most ex-convicts return to theft and other criminal activities after release. Monitoring them helps us prevent repeat offenses,” Maate said.

Kabale, Uganda — Security agencies have launched a manhunt for criminal gangs terrorizing communities in Kabale district, following a string of violent attacks involving murder, robbery, and home invasions.

The Assistant RDC, Christopher Turyomurugyendo made the announcement on Thursday while speaking at the burial of a three-year-old boy, Arineitwe Raphael Mathew, in Wakanwire village, Kitumba Sub-county, Kabale district. Raphael was the son of Ninsiima Catherine and Emmanuel Arineitwe, the district councillor representing Kitumba Sub-county.

Turyomurugyendo condemned the growing wave of violent crime adding that security forces are intensifying operations to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Security agencies are alert and have intensified surveillance both during the day and at night. We promise peace and security for our people,” he stated.

Gruesome Attacks Shake District

Recently, police registered a case of murder and aggravated robbery involving the brutal killing of Natamba Stephen, a 40-year-old security guard (askari) at Albertine Hotel in Kabale. Natamba was attacked and killed by assailants armed with pangas.

The same group later attacked Kanyoro Loyce, a 59-year-old businesswoman and resident of Makanga Cell in Kabale Municipality. She was assaulted at her home by three unknown men who inflicted deep cuts with pangas before robbing her of a mobile phone, a 49-inch Samsung television, and other household items. Loyce sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical attention.

In another tragic incident, a truck driver was murdered in Nyakigugwe, Kaharo Sub-county. The police have since arrested a suspect in possession of the deceased’s SIM card and are pursuing his accomplices.

Police and Prisons Partner to Monitor Ex-Convicts

During a press briefing at the regional police headquarters in Kabale, Kigezi Region Police spokesperson Elly Maate revealed that the Uganda Police Force is collaborating with the Uganda Prisons Service to monitor former inmates after their release.

“Most ex-convicts return to theft and other criminal activities after release. Monitoring them helps us prevent repeat offenses,” Maate said.

He explained that prison authorities will now alert police when convicts are released—not for re-arrest, but to keep them under surveillance and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

Six suspects are currently in custody in connection with the ongoing crime wave.

Community Urged to Support Security Efforts

The district Assistant RDC urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities to authorities. He also warned against those who attempt to protect or intervene on behalf of arrested criminals.

“When criminals are arrested, relatives and friends come to intervene. I warn them that this does not help us curb crime,” he cautioned.

The recent surge in violent crimes has left residents in fear, with many choosing to stay indoors after dark. Businesses are closing early due to concerns of being targeted by criminal gangs.

Authorities have vowed to restore safety and called on the public to support ongoing efforts to rid the district of lawlessness.