Police explains how gang leader Sobi met his death

Gomba, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  Paddy Sserunjogi, widely known as Sobi, met a tragic end on Monday afternoon in Kibaale village, Kigumba parish, Maddu Sub-county, Gomba district. Residents allegedly attacked and hacked him to death, accusing him of forcefully acquiring land.

Confirming Sobi’s demise late in the evening, Katonga Regional Police Spokesperson Superintendent of Police- SP Majid Karim noted the challenges in obtaining accurate details surrounding the incident.

While unconfirmed reports hinted at multiple casualties, only Sobi’s death was officially confirmed. The altercation arose from a conflict where Sobi’s gang reportedly damaged crops belonging to locals. “Preliminary findings suggest that around 12:30 PM today, on a land belonging to Kalisa in Kibaale village, Kigumba parish, Maddu sub-county, Gomba district, a group of 50 people armed with sticks, pangas, and spears attacked another group, resulting in the death of one person,” SP Karim said.

The dispute revolved around land owned by one Kalisa, purchased in 2007 for Shillings 100 million, with an outstanding balance of Shillings 80 million left unpaid by Kalisa after the demise of the seller, Paul Kibi. Allegedly hired by Kalisa to protect the disputed land, Sobi’s group destroyed crops on the land, sparking tension with Kibi’s children, Deborah Nagadiya and Bartin Kiwewa, presenting a legitimate title deed that Kalisa had not settled the balance for.

“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. During today’s (Monday) clash, different items, including food, utensils, and structures, were destroyed,” Karim said. Sobi’s body is currently undergoing a postmortem at Gomba Hospital Mortuary. Among his gang, Gerald Katumba, Andrew Mateka, and Dela Aliyu sustained severe injuries.

Sobi’s Self-Confession 

Sobi, previously associated with criminal activities and the Kifeesi gang terrorizing Kampala, made a shocking confession in 2017, admitting his involvement in numerous crimes.

Despite claims of transitioning into a police informant during Gen Edward Kale Kayihura’s tenure as Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sobi continued his controversial activities, commanding ‘safe houses’ in Kyengera in Wakiso, and Kalangala district and allegedly being involved in land grabbing missions.

Alex Odwori, who was subjected to inhumane treatment at Kalangala islands under Sobi’s command was among those who petitioned Parliament and President Museveni seeking for intervention because many people were ‘rotting incommunicado.’ Sobi’s actions contributed to the fight between Gen Kayihura and then Security Minister Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde whereby the latter accused the former of knowing and protecting gangs terrorizing Ugandans.

Even when Museveni dropped Gen Kayihura and Col Kaka, Sobi did not relent. He instead immersed himself in hired land-grabbing operations where he could threaten Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Police Commanders (DPCs), and OC stations.

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