Bugweri, Uganda: A police officer in Bugweri District lost part of his ear after a suspect bit him during a violent scuffle, as security forces arrested 18 suspected gang members in a major crackdown on rising crime.
The intelligence-led operation, conducted in Idudi A, B, and C villages between midnight and 5:30 am on Easter Sunday, targeted notorious criminal groups locally known as Fangone Forest and Gaza.
Busoga East police spokesperson ASP Micheal Kasadha confirmed the arrests, saying the operation followed growing public concern over robberies, phone snatching, and other criminal activities in the area.
“Following the rising public concern over increased robberies, phone snatching and other criminal activities in Bugweri, an intelligence-led operation was conducted in areas of Idudi A, B and Idudi C to arrest suspects of the notorious criminal gangs, dubbed Fangone Forest and Gaza,” Kasadha said.
Police identified the suspects as Kirunda Tarvin (17), Magumba Aziz (21), Lwayi Keneth (17), Kisambira Hamidu (18), Kasadha Arony (20), Sajabi Jackson (20), Kaziba Salim (20), Kisambira Abasi (20), Mudasi Kuzaifa (29), Mudasi Binasali (18), Tenywa Rahim (22), Muwaya Twahiri (20), Kisambira Sudaisi (20), Mulongo Grace (25), Walyaka Amisi (21), Matende Rahim (21), Musobya Aramanzan (17), and Mulondo Jamada (19).
According to police, some suspects resisted arrest and attacked officers during the operation.
“During the operation, one suspect, identified as Mulondo Jamada, grabbed a panga and attempted to confront the OC Bugweri, identified as ASP Nagolo Robert, but he was subdued. During the scuffle, the suspect bit off part of the OC’s left ear, and he has been charged with attempted murder to that effect,” Kasadha said.
Police also revealed that two suspects, Kaziba Salim and Muwaya Twahiri, were found with female juveniles aged 17 and 13, respectively. They have since been charged with defilement, while the minors were rescued and taken for medical examination.
Exhibits recovered during the operation include a Uganda flag, a Fangone Forest flag, seven suspected stolen smartphones, and a 32-inch television set believed to be proceeds of crime.
ASP Kasadha said investigations are ongoing to apprehend more suspects linked to the gangs.
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