The Kigezi Region Police Commander, SP Alex Wabwire, has expressed concern over a surge in criminal activities across the region, pointing to former convicts who, after serving their sentences, return to communities and resume criminal behavior.
Speaking on Thursday in response to security concerns raised by residents in the Kabale Community and Security WhatsApp group, SP Wabwire said police have intensified joint operations across Kigezi to curb crime. However, the re-emergence of previously convicted offenders remains a significant challenge to maintaining lasting peace.
“Before we came to this region, several criminals had been arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned. Unfortunately, many of them are now being released without proper rehabilitation, and they are committing even worse crimes than before,” Wabwire said.
He noted that numerous suspects have been taken to court for prosecution, while others remain in custody awaiting guidance from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Despite these challenges, Wabwire assured residents that ongoing operations have begun yielding positive results.
The police chief emphasized that effective security requires community participation. He urged residents to take personal and collective responsibility, reminding them that “security begins with the people. You are the first line of defense because you understand your communities and what goes on within them,” citing Article 17 of the Constitution, which outlines citizens’ duties in upholding law and order.
To enhance safety, Wabwire recommended practical measures such as clearing overgrown bushes that may harbor criminals, avoiding unnecessary late-night movements, installing security lights and CCTV cameras, forming WhatsApp community groups for information sharing, registering new tenants with local councils, holding regular community security meetings, constructing perimeter walls, and keeping security dogs where possible.
The concern over rising crime comes amid a recent violent incident in Kabale, where a local mechanic, Rubanza Juma, a resident of Upper Bugongi Ward, was found dead with deep head wounds in Rugarama Pida Cell, Northern Division. His body was discovered early Thursday morning along the Rugarama–Pida route by a passerby.
Kigezi Police Spokesperson Elly Maate also highlighted recent operations across the region. On October 7, a night operation in Rukungiri Municipality led to the arrest of 72 suspects, many of whom were found with housebreaking tools, opium, or loitering without clear purpose.
Following screening, 26 suspects were charged with offenses including public nuisance, possession of opium, and possession of housebreaking implements.
In Kisoro District, a week-long operation ending October 6 resulted in 20 arrests, with eight suspects already charged in court. In Kabale, police are pursuing additional suspects following the arrest of four individuals from Mpigi, Mbarara, and Kabale, believed to be linked to a broader criminal network.
SP Wabwire remains optimistic that collaboration between police and the public will help curb the wave of insecurity.
“We have arrested a sizable number and will continue until we completely eliminate these criminal networks. Security is improving, and we shall not relent,” he pledged.
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