Police in Kabale District have announced a shoot-to-kill directive targeting criminals armed with pangas, as authorities move to curb rising cases of violent theft and robbery.
The announcement was made by Martin Kamugisha, the Officer in Charge of Kitumba Police Post, during a community security meeting held on Sunday in Bushuro Village, Kitumba Sub-County. The meeting was convened in response to increasing reports of theft, particularly involving livestock and crops, which residents say have left them living in fear.
Residents recounted harrowing experiences of break-ins, ambushes, and nightly attacks by gangs allegedly armed with pangas. They reported sleepless nights and a growing sense of insecurity within the community.
Bushuro Village Chairperson, Alphonse Safari, said criminals had resorted to breaking into homes and waylaying people returning from work.
“People no longer feel safe even inside their homes,” he said.
One of the victims, Judith Akampurira of Bushuro Cell, narrated that on Sunday at around 1 a.m., thieves broke into her house while she was sleeping. She woke up to find a man standing beside her bed, wielding a panga and demanding money she had borrowed from a local savings group.
Meanwhile, his accomplices looted her belongings and cleared stock from her bar. Her desperate attempts to call for help went unanswered, as neighbors had locked themselves indoors.
Another resident, Peter Akankwasa, said many families are now forced to bring their livestock inside their houses at night to protect them from being stolen.
Frustrated community members demanded immediate intervention from security forces and called for intensified night patrols to restore sanity in the area.
In response, Kamugisha assured residents that police had resolved to recommend a shoot-to-kill approach toward criminals found roaming at night with pangas. He emphasized that the measure is aimed at protecting innocent civilians from violent attacks.
He further revealed that police have so far arrested 54 suspects linked to panga-related crimes. Kamugisha encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or movements to law enforcement to facilitate swift action.
CUE IN KAMUGISHA…..ON SHOOT AND KILL…..RR//
