Passengers using the Masaka-Kyotera-Mutukula Road have petitioned higher authorities to investigate and arrest gun-wielding thugs who are robbing them at gunpoint in Kyotera district.

According to the passengers, suspected gun-wielding thugs have been targeting those moving very late in the night and in the wee hours of the morning in areas of Kyotera, Nongo, Malembo, and along the Masaka-Kyotera-Mutukula Road.

Brian Senoga, an eyewitness, revealed that the thugs are well built in body size, move in a group of six men, and are dressed in UPDF army uniforms.

Senoga added that armed thugs do not shoot at any cars or shoot at people; however, they only rob whatever they want, most especially cash, cars, mobile phones, and other personal belongings that are of their interest.

“These men are so intimidating in nature, and during their robbing exercises, these gun-wielding men park their cars in front of the taxi that you are traveling, then you robbed, and when you refuse, you are tortured until you give in,’’ Senoga disclosed.

In an interview with journalists on November 12, 2024, Francis Xavier Lubinga, the Kyotera district speaker, revealed that last week he was attacked and robbed by these very men, and his Mitusubishi vehicle registration number UBQ 558U was taken away by them.

Lubinga added that his car was discovered in Lwengo district, but most of the car parts were missing; however, he might not be able to replace them back because they are very expensive.

“These thugs might be army deserters, and I believe that the higher authorities should arrest them as soon as possible because people are in grave fear of losing their lives in case you are found traveling on the fateful day without money and you are killed because of it,” Lubinga said.

In 2024, Kyotera district has witnessed a series of alarming gunpoint robberies that have raised significant concerns among residents and local authorities.

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On September 9, 2024, police foiled a robbery attempt at a betting center in Kalisizo Town, Kyotera district. The suspect, Quinto Anywar, was arrested before executing his plan. He had previously been on the run after allegedly killing his girlfriend and was attempting to fund his escape with this robbed money.

Additionally, on August 24, 2024, Pulinali Semanda, a businessman in Kalisizo, was ambushed and robbed of UGX 150 million shortly after withdrawing cash from Centenary Bank. The robbery was executed by armed men who held Semanda at gunpoint with an AK-47 rifle while one of the suspects took the money from his car. Following extensive investigations, police arrested several suspects involved in this robbery on September 6, 2024.

These incidents underscore the growing trend of armed robberies in Kyotera district, prompting calls for increased security measures and community vigilance to protect local businesses and residents from such violent crimes.