The territorial police in Albertine and Kagadi have in custody seven criminal gang members, who are part of a larger network that has been terrorizing residents in Kagadi district through armed robberies and attacks over the last two months. Consequently, the police and UPDF conducted an intelligence-led operation in Muhorro town council, where they recovered an AK-47 gun, a magazine with four rounds of ammunition, and six pairs of military camouflage clothes from their premises.
The six suspects include: Pte Kato Ivan, a 34-year-old army deserter; Aliganyira Richard, a 34-year-old from Khumbi village in Kyenjojo district; Fina Patrick, a 34-year-old barber from Kahungabunyonyi in Fortportal city; Luweza Chris, a 25-year-old bodaboda rider from Rwengoma cell in Fortportal; Kyaligonza Yasin, also known as Boy, a 26-year-old from Kyakasana village in Kagadi district; Agaba Januarious, a 26-year-old manager of Service Point Bar in Nyamariga cell, Kagadi district; and Katushabe Natasha, a 19-year-old barmaid at Service Point Bar.
The group was led by the army deserter, Pte Kato Ivan, and their operations were primarily conducted in Kagadi district. They used Service Point Bar as their meeting point, planning zone, and hideout before and after the robberies, with the knowledge of the bar owner.
The recovered gun and ammunitions have been submitted to ballistic experts to establish whether there are other ballistic hits linked to the gun. Investigations are also being expanded to determine whether other members of the public were victimized by this criminal gang.
The arrest of the suspects and recovery of exhibits highlight our level of commitment and dedication in the fight against violent armed criminals. The police believe that the arrest of this criminal gang will restore sanity and peace in Kagadi district.
