Jinja: Despite ongoing police operations in the city and surrounding areas, insecurity in Jinja continues to escalate, leaving local residents on edge. The Northern division, which includes Bugembe, Mafubira, Namulesa, Wanyange, and other neighborhoods, has become a particularly alarming area.
In a disturbing incident last night, unidentified assailants armed with machetes invaded the home of veteran journalist and businessman Tom Kalumula in Nakanyonyi. They subjected him to torture before fleeing with significant sums of money and other valuable possessions.
This incident follows another attack earlier this week in the early hours of Monday, when local radio broadcaster Livingstone Bontwe was reportedly assaulted and hacked while on his way to host his morning show at Jinja-based City FM.
The escalating insecurity in the area has prompted numerous concerns and pleas for intervention from the authorities, but these appeals have so far yielded no tangible results. Darias Nandinda, the Jinja Resident City Commissioner (RCC), acknowledges that village security meetings have been conducted in the northern division, but unfortunately, new cases of crime continue to emerge.
“We have made significant efforts, including conducting multiple arrests and taking perpetrators to court. However, due to Jinja being a city, such crimes are unfortunately commonplace,” Nandinda explains, urging residents to avoid venturing out during late hours.
In an interview with Busoga Today, David Isabirye Agga, the legislator representing Jinja Northern division, reveals that these gruesome acts of violence started years ago but have since worsened. He claims to have alerted the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Inspector General of Police about the situation in Jinja, but his appeals have gone unanswered.
“They promised to establish a police division for us, but unfortunately, it remains unimplemented. They recently provided us with sniffer dogs, but that alone is insufficient,” Agga laments, vowing to bring the matter to the attention of Parliament.
Agga urges local residents to report any suspicious individuals to the authorities for questioning, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in curbing criminal activities.
While the police have conducted several operations in response to the prevailing insecurity, it is evident that more needs to be done. Just last month, a total of 110 suspects were apprehended, and after thorough screening, 48 individuals were arraigned in court.
The situation in Jinja demands urgent attention and comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. It is crucial for relevant authorities to address the growing concerns and implement effective strategies that will restore peace and security in the community.
