Security chiefs in the Busoga sub-region have identified crime hotspots ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities and urged residents to take extra precautions.
The officials, who addressed journalists in different districts, also issued safety tips to curb crime during the festive season.
The Busoga East Police spokesperson, Mr Michael Kasadha, identified Idudi Town and Busembatya Town in Bugweri District as major crime hotspots.
He also cited Kigandalo Sub-county in Bunya East, Mayuge District, noting that insecurity there is driven by political violence and other criminal activities.
‘As I speak now, we have just come from a security meeting in Mayuge District where rival supporters attacked one another, among other incidents,’ Mr Kasadha said, advising residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and avoid moving with valuables late at night, especially without security.
In Kaliro District, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner and deputy head of security, Mr Rogers Kiduma, identified several crime black spots, including Sakka Bridge along the Kaliro-Pallisa road, Lumbuye Swamp between Bulamogi North West and Bulamogi County, Naigombwa Swamp bordering Kaliro and Namutumba districts, and the Lumbuye stretch near Luuka District.
Mr Kiduma said at least two people have been killed by thugs since the beginning of December, including a boda boda rider identified as Ali Kiige, who was murdered in Butongole.
He cautioned boda boda riders to be extra vigilant, noting that criminals are increasingly targeting them to steal motorcycles and personal belongings.
‘Some criminals place chloroform in their bags and ask riders to carry them in front, causing dizziness before robbing them,’ Mr Kiduma warned.
He added that a new police patrol vehicle has been deployed to improve security, although it cannot cover all areas simultaneously.
In Luuka District, crime hotspots were identified as Bulanga Town Council, Bunafu Village in Ikumbya Sub-county, Namansenda in Bukooma Sub-county, and Luuka Town.
The Assistant RDC, Mr Rogers Ntogona, said women have been raped, residents attacked with machetes, and property stolen in the affected areas.
‘We have not yet recorded any deaths, but some victims have suffered serious injuries, including loss of body parts,’ Mr Ntogona said, urging residents to work closely with security agencies by being vigilant and reporting suspicious individuals to help curb crime.
In Jinja District, security officials confirmed that four people have been killed in attacks at known crime hotspots.
The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Mr Samuel Kawuta, identified the areas as Buweera Village in Kagoma Town Council, Kiko Swamp along the Buyengo-Muguluka Road, Mwiri Ward in Kakira Town Council, Wanyange Lake Village, and Polota Village in Kakira Town Council.
Mr Kawuta advised residents to use registered boda boda riders operating from recognised stages when travelling during the festive season to reduce the risk of robbery.
The Jinja Resident City Commissioner, Mr Richard Gulume Balyaino, said several key suspects have been arrested and remanded to prison.
He urged the public to remain security-conscious, avoid moving alone at night, and strengthen neighbourhood watch arrangements.
‘As authorities, we have deployed security personnel at major public places. If possible, move in groups, especially at night, to avoid attacks,’ Mr Gulume said.
He also assured residents of peaceful elections, urging them to avoid violence and reminding them that they will continue living together after the polls.
Mr Gulume added that more than 1,000 police constables trained in Jinja will be deployed to polling stations to maintain security.