Kagadi, (UG): The Territorial Police in the Albertine Region are holding in custody seven members of a criminal gang who form part of a wider network that has been terrorising residents in Kagadi District through armed robberies and attacks over the last two months.
The arrest of the group followed a joint-security operation of police and UPDF in the areas of Muhorro town council which led to the recovery of an AK 47 gun, a magazine with 4 rounds of ammunition, and 6 pairs of military camouflage clothes from their premises.
Police Spokesperson, SCP Fred Enanga identified the seven suspects include; Pte Kato Ivan, a 34-year-old army deserter and leader of the group, Aliganyira Richard, a 34 year old peasant of Khumbi village in Kyenjojo district, Fina Patrick, 34, from Kahungabunyonyi in Fort Portal City, Luweza Chris, 25, a bodaboda rider of Rwengoma Cell in Fort Portal, Kyaligonza Yasin alias, Boy, a 26 year old from Kyakasana village in Kagadi district, Agaba Januarious, a 26 year old, Manager of Service Point Bar, Nyamariga cell in Kagadi district and Katushabe Natasha a 19 year old, barmaid at Service Point Bar.
According to Mr Enanga, the group was being led by the army deserter, Pte Kato Ivan, with their operations conducted mostly in Kagadi District.
“They were using the service point bar, as their meeting point, planning zone and their hideout, before and after the robberies, with the knowledge of the bar owner,” Mr Enanga explained, adding that the exhibits of a gun and ammunition were submitted to ballistic experts, to establish whether there were other ballistic hits linked to, the gun.
He added that investigations are also being expanded to establish whether other members of the public, were victimised by the criminal gang.
“The arrest of the suspects and recovery of exhibits shows our level of commitment and dedication in the fight against violent armed criminals. We believe the arrest of the criminal gang, will restore sanity and peace in Kagadi district,” he said.
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