The Uganda Police Flying Squad Unit has cracked down an organized criminal gang, that had specialized in attacks on schools.
The Police Spokesperson CP Fred Enanga on Tuesday April 11th 2023 told the Press that between 9th February and 27th March, 2023, 12 cases of attacks on schools were registered.
As a result, 26 suspects have since been arrested, including a Kenyan National called Babu Yusuf who is the overall commander of a criminal gang, that operates in small clusters of 3-7, and are deployed and evacuated on motorcycles and motor vehicles.
The 4 notorious suspects who include; Babu Yusuf (the group commander), Ssetenda Emma, Mayengo Paul Musinguzi aka Mulefu and Mawejje Reagan, admitted to having participated in the attack and robberies at UMEA Primary School in Kyebando – Nansana, Bodoko Primary School at Kayunga in Wakiso and Kyadondo Islamic Secondary School, Matugga.
During their attack at Kyadondo Islamic Secondary School, on 9.02.2023, they killed an askari, called Mujumbi Solomon and critically injured Asingya John, before robbing 111,000,000/= (One hundred eleven million shillings).
The group were also behind the attack and robbery at St. Joseph’s Junior Seminary, Nswanjere, where they stole the communion cup (ciborium) and robbed 1.400.000/= two laptops and mobile phones from the priests.
“Our task teams have so far recovered 3 motor vehicles used to facilitate their criminal operations. Other exhibits include; an HP printer, 3 laptop bags, black face masks, several house breaking implements etc.” Enanga said
Fred Enanga added that Police have now clocked 14 days without registering any new attacks on schools.
“The recoveries and arrests demonstrates our resolve to disrupt and dismantle rackets behind attacks on schools. We also thank all members of the task team, who participated in the operation and all persons who volunteered information that led to the arrests and recoveries.” he added
Police urged all school administrators and proprietors to periodically review and upgrade their security and safety measures.
