By Obed Twinomujuni
The Chahi Sub County Leadership in Kisoro district has petitioned the Uganda Police Force to expedite their investigations and arrest all the people involved in the murders of people who died at the hands of criminals using firearms.
The frustrated leaders, also stressed the importance of security agencies, registering and regulating mushrooming Born-again Churches that have also been identified as one of the ‘safe havens’ for such dangerous criminals.
On 5th of August 2023, a boda rider and resident of Nyarurama town, Rutare ward, Chahi sub-province by the names of Bosco Dusabe, was gunned down by armed assailants as he entered his home from work.
On that fateful day, the culprits managed to get away while Dusabe breathed his last before arriving at St. Francis Hospital, Mutolere. The cause of death was attributed to excessive bleeding caused by the gunshot wound.
Nsabimana Richard, the LC III chairperson said several individuals in Chahi Sub County are known to have firearms and other deadly weapons which is a major security threat to peace and development in the area.
Nsabimana said he has received death threats from some of these individuals who are attempting to discourage the authorities from following up on such heinous crimes.
“We have at least six people who have been shot and maimed and can no longer provide for their families while the alleged killers of Dusabe are supposedly out on bail, which is shocking, Nsabimana said.
Two suspects including, Emmanuel Agaba of the same residence as the deceased was arrested by Police to aid investigations but were later released from Police Custody.
Gun Violence continues to be a serious threat to security and development in Kisoro.
A Kisoro Court recently handed down a six-year jail sentence to two people for illegal firearm possession.
Sadiki Gashendure 29, hailing from Bunagana town, Karambo chiefdom in Rutshuru region, North Kivu area of the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and Silvani Uwirangiye, 32, a resident of Gatete town, Rwaramba ward, Nyakinama sub-province, Kisoro district was arrested on August 12, 2023.
Security reacted to an intelligence tip-off that Gashendure had crossed into Uganda from Congo through the porous borders in Bunyangaro, Nyabwishenya sub-district with a firearm.
A combined team of the Uganda Police Force and Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF followed him to Kisoro town, close to Stanbic Bank, where they apprehended him. Upon searching him, they recovered two hand grenades.
Kisoro District Police Commander Benard Mugerwa said local council leaders from LC I to LC III need to be empowered to register all people who visit villages in the district.
He noted that mushrooming churches in the district have also been identified as one of the places where criminals are likely to hide.
Several homes have been converted into places for overnight prayers which is an issue of concern for local leaders.
Kisoro District LCV chairperson Abel Bizimana said the authorities have every right to investigate any household or self-proclaimed church to provide documentation on their operations.
The comments come at a time when the country is on high alert against possible terror attacks from external enemies.
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