How Notorious Kifeesi leader Sobi died in fierce land dispute in Gomba

Gomba, (UG): The Territorial Police in Gomba District are investigating circumstances under which Sobi, a notorious criminal and city robber was killed by an angry mob in a land wrangle at Kibaale village, Kigumba parish, Maddu sub county.

Preliminary findings suggest that on Monday at around 12:30 PM, a group of 50 people armed with sticks, pangas, and spears attacked another group of people who claimed a piece of land said to be owned by one Kalisa.

A fight ensued and ended with the death of one individual identified as Paddy Sserunjogi alias Sobi who was leading one of the groups. Several others were reportedly left injured.

Katonga Region Police Spokesperson, SP Majid Karim confirmed the incident and death of Sobi explaining that the land in question belonged to one Kalisa who acquired it in 2007 after paying shs20m to the former owner.

“The disputed land was purchased by Kalisa, who paid 20 million out of a total of 100 million in 2007. However, it is claimed that he bought it from the wrong person. Another group, purporting to be the children and grandchildren of the late Kibi Paul and led by Deborah Nagadiya and Kiwewa Barton, emerged with land titles, claiming their ownership of the same land,” SP Karim explained.

He added that; “Legal proceedings were initiated, but before the case could be resolved, the second group brought individuals from Kampala Kisenyi to occupy and clear the land.“

DailyExpress understands that in a bloody shed Monday clash, different items, including food, utensils, and structures, were destroyed with the group of locals alleged to have killed more individuals, although only one body (of Sobi) was recovered with cut wounds on the leg and neck.

Speaking of the incident, The Resident District Commissioner for Gomba District, Ms Harriet Nakamya said Sobi’s group had been hired by Kiweewa, Nabakka and Nagadya to protect the land when the counter-group hired by Kalisa made a fierce attack.

SP Karim told this publication that Sobi’s body was retrieved and taken to Gomba Hospital mortuary for post-mortem as detectives at Kanoni police station continued with inquiries.

“Officers from Gomba Police responded immediately, restoring order in the area. The deceased’s body has been conveyed to Gomba Hospital Mortuary for postmortem. Currently, there are three confirmed injuries including Katumba Gerald, Mateka Andrew, and Aliyu Dela. Further details will be provided in due course,” he said.

Who is Sobi?

For several years, Sobi, an infamously self-proclaimed robber and killer made a name for terrorising dwellers in Kampala City with his gang of about 30 to 50 men which often conducted a range of criminal activities, including petty theft, robbery and murder in the Kampala central business district and city suburbs.

While many members of his alleged gang were arrested and convicted for crimes they committed, Sobi was always released on bail whenever they arrested and took him to court.

Until his arrest and remand in 2012, it was a cat-and-mouse chase between police and Sobi that lasted more than three years, with then Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, Ibin Ssenkumbi alleging that Sobi was offered preferential treatment by the magistrates at Buganda Road Court.

He gained notoriety in 2017 as a self-proclaimed leader of Kifeesi, a criminal gang that unleashed a wave of deadly robberies, leaving numerous casualties in its wake. But he was later assimilated into the ISO by former director general Kaka Bagyenda.

Three years later, Sobi transitioned to a seemingly quieter existence, establishing a haven on Lwamayuba island in Kalangala, as disclosed by a former inmate familiar with the situation.

In November 2021, he was arrested alongside 28 members of his gang for attempting to raid a village in Wakiso District.

Sobi was once a police informer who turned rogue and became the leader of a group of petty criminals who snatched bags and phones on Kampala streets and concerts.