Two MPs have raised alarm over a wave of brutal killings in Kiruhura and Kazo districts, with at least 15 people reportedly killed in their constituencies in recent weeks.
During plenary on Tuesday, Kashongi County MP Genesio Tumuramye (NRM) told Parliament that five people, including a child, had been killed in their homes in Kitura County, Kiruhura District, over the past month.
“Those people were killed in the night in their homes,” Tumuramye said.
He asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs and security agencies to investigate the killings, establish the motive behind them and provide support to families affected by the violence.
Kazo County MP Dan Atwijukire (NRM) told Parliament that 10 people had been killed in his constituency between August 17 and September 27.
Atwijukire said six of the victims were killed using hammers, while others were allegedly slaughtered, strangled or subjected to other forms of violence.
“The target is women and young children,” he said.
According to Atwijukire, some suspects have been arrested. He cited a case in which suspects allegedly confessed to killing an elderly woman after learning that she had received Shs1.5 million from a community group.
He said the suspects allegedly shared the money after the killing, but added that the attacks had continued despite some arrests.
Atwijukire called for the Ministry of Internal Affairs to convene a high-level meeting with residents and security agencies in the affected areas to address the growing concerns and reassure communities.
“People are sleepless. They are very uncomfortable,” he said.
Kimosho also called for consideration of compensation for families that have lost relatives in the attacks.
Responding to the MPs, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business Crispus Kiyonga conveyed condolences to the affected families and communities.
Dr Kiyonga said government would consider providing financial assistance to families, noting that President Museveni had previously supported families affected by similar tragedies.
“Whenever these tragic events have happened, the President has normally extended some money to help the families during the difficult time of the burial, and I’m sure that will be done,” he said.
However, Dr Kiyonga urged residents to strengthen community vigilance, saying security agencies alone could not prevent killings occurring inside homes.
“It would appear in some parts of the country, these senseless and brutal actions have taken a rising trend. The security alone, without the vigilance of the population, cannot effectively and quickly bring this to an end,” he said.
He urged residents to work closely with the police and, where necessary, the army, to identify suspicious activities and help prevent further attacks.
Dr Kiyonga assured Parliament that government would work with the affected communities and security agencies to bring the situation under control.
