Editor
Residents in Kabale town are pointing fingers at the police, accusing them of neglecting night patrols, leading to an increase in attacks by machete-wielding thugs ahead of the Christmas season.
The perpetrators have exploited the darkness in various parts of the town, causing harm to individuals and stealing property. The recent surge in attacks occurred near the police barracks and in areas such as Bungongi and Kigongi within Kabale municipality.
Saida Kato Kataruha, an interior designer and a victim of these attacks, recounted being assaulted on a Friday night when he returned home around midnight. He described an incident where an unknown assailant snatched his phone while he was making a brief stop in Kabale town. When he attempted to pursue the thief, he was physically assaulted.
Elly Maate, the police spokesperson for the Kigezi sub-region, acknowledged the recent rise in thefts and attacks, attributing them to the approaching festive season. Maate emphasized the importance of individual responsibility for security, urging local residents to avoid moving around at night alone.
Despite reports of attacks, Maate noted that many victims did not formally report the incidents to the police. He highlighted that the machete-wielding thugs target vulnerable individuals in poorly lit areas.
To address the security concerns, Maate mentioned that security forces, in collaboration with municipal authorities, have agreed to install missing street lights. Additionally, joint efforts with sister security agencies have been intensified to conduct patrols, particularly during the night.
