As we approach the festive season, the police and other security agencies have urged the public to be more vigilant, citing an increase in burglaries targeting mobile money dealers, traders, village saving groups and SACCOs, motor vehicles, and cattle, among others.
According to SCP Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson, in a press statement dated November 15, 2023, this pre-festive season is a very busy season for several business people, but also an ideal time for criminals to steal and commit atrocious crimes.
“We would like the public to be vigilant and have security measures around them to safeguard their properties, like ensuring cashless transactions, altering banking routines/patterns, use of armed escorts and guards while transporting or collecting cash, keeping cash out of sight are all great ways of keeping your money safe,” Enanga said.
He also stated that, while the joint security agencies must prevent heinous crimes such as robbery, theft, burglary, and shoplifting, it is also critical for the general public to remain vigilant, and alert, and report any concerns, suspicious people, or vehicles to police immediately.
According to the Police’s website, November alone has registered over 10 cases of theft and burglary in the city of Kampala and other parts of the country.
For instance, on November 1, 2023, territorial police in Bukedi South and Busia arrested five suspected robbers who were attempting to rob a money dealer in Busia Municipality and on November 4, 2023, the police intercepted a robbery mission in which the victim was to be attacked as he left his home in Kisenyi “A” village, Busia Municipality, near Busia Senior Secondary School.
In addition, on November 5, 2023, at around 7:30 p.m., a group of three robbers attacked two different homes holding village savings at Wandago parish, Magamaga Town Council in Mayuge district, and robbed Ugx 5 million from Wamunga Daniel, a 46-year-old LCI Chairman of Church Zone, at around 7:30 p.m. On the same day, Mugaju Steven, the defence secretary, was attacked with a knife to the head while responding to the alarm. At around 8 p.m., armed robbers attacked Iwate Shifah and robbed him of Ugx 1.8 million.
Enanga further urged the public to report any suspicious activity however insignificant by calling the National Operations Command Centre on 0800199699, 0707600773 or 0776999136 because this can potentially save lives.
