Masaka killings: Four more suspects arrested in Kampala

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Police say they have arrested four additional suspects in Kampala in connection to the brutal killings in the greater Masaka region.

Addressing journalists at police headquarters Naguru, Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said they have arrested four suspects who are part of the criminal gang that was hired to execute the killings.

Last week, four suspects; Kabuye Faizo, 27, Frank Tamale, 32, Bernard Musumba, 22 and Badril Kilenga were charged with the murder of Sulaiman Kayemba who is among the 26 victims of panga wielding assailants.

Without mentioning details of the suspects, Enanga said during the expanded investigations, four other suspects linked to the same killings in Masaka were picked-up in various parts of Makindye in Kampala over the weekend and they will be transferred to Masaka anytime for charges.

“In our expansive investigations, we also rounded up four more suspects whose names we can’t release right now. We tracked them-down in Kampala, in connection to the vicious killings and they will be transferred to Masaka police station and also face charges,” Enanga said.

He says they are continuing to pursue all investigative leads and tracking down the remaining culprits who form part of the vicious gang behind the attacks in greater-Masaka region districts.

“There was one of the political leaders who was rallying locals to take-up arms like pangas, spears, bows and arrows and fight for themselves, we ask him to refrain such statements, because this can result into more violent actions,” Enanga added. “Our major priority right now is pursuing all investigative leads we have and tracking down some of the remaining suspects.

Although the last incident which was an attempt by the panga-wielding assailants on Maria Nakyanzi, 61-year  resident of Kyotera district was registered on 4th September, which would have been an indication of peace and relative security in the area, police have noted that most residents are still living in fear and frustration.

Police, UPDF, and Crime Intelligence have so far arrested 78 suspects in connection to greater Masaka machete murders. At least 14 suspects have already been charged in court while 13 others are expected to be arraigned in court.

Among those who were arraigned in court are Muhammad Ssegirinya, the Kawempe North Member of Parliament and Allan SSewanyana of Makindye West Division. These were charged before the Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court with four counts, three of murder and one of attempted murder and remanded to Kitalya prison, before being transferred to Kigo prison.

Police have however assured the country that everybody who lost relatives will get justice, and all suspects will get speedy trial on their process of the hearings.

“With the amount of work done so far, no doubt all family members who lost their loved ones will get nothing but total justice,” Enanga said. “Even suspects who were arrested and charged to court, we want to make sure that there is fair and speedy trial during the process.”

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