Jinja: People are not enjoying their city streets following the rampant robbery in town. The suburbs of Bugembe, Mafubira, Namulesa, Kikaramoja became black spots as thieves are not seated.
Police in Kiira region have embarked on battling with street robbers who are snatching people’s property especially bags and phones. This was revealed by Kiira region police spokesperson, ASP James Mubi while addressing Journalists yesterday.
Mubi says the city has been divided into zones with commanders that are patrolling day and night. This is done to bring criminals to book for justice.
“We have tried to zone the city and every zone has a commander and a personnel attached. They patrol day and night and we even have some other people attached to these zones to get us information and the public don’t know about them,” says Mubi.
“We have done it even in the rural Jinja district. Besides that, we have the general patrols, those on foot and on vehicles. That is how we have managed to ensure snatching of bags and phones is a history in Jinja city,” he added.
According to Mubi, every suspect arrested is immediately taken to courts of law to face charges.
Moses Kudhaga, the Katamba cell chairperson in Wanyama ward Bugembe Jinja Northern division, says thieves are using motorcycles between 8pm and 10pm to rob people. This is when people get off work to their homes.
“They believe people are leaving their work and they have money. Thieves use motorcycles and pangas to threaten those with money and phones,” says Kudhaga.
The chair said; “we held a meeting with the Regional police commander, DPC and we resolved to have a platform where we share every incident of theft. Security responds immediately in case locals inform us in time.”
According to Mr. Kudhaga, the thieves are mostly in the areas of Wanyama, Katende, Buwekula, Budhumbuli and others. “We are planning and they are as well planning, but we shall overcome them.”
Kudhaga calls on local to be vigilant and alert them (leaders) in times of attack by the said thieves. He said security gave them a motorcycle to patrol the places especially in the hours of snatching.
Martha Mutesi a resident of Wanyange hill is worried of the seriousness thieves are exhibiting. She says people are sleeping earlier in fear of their lives.
“Seriously these people have put us on fear, recently they stole my neighbor’s chicken, broke a woman’s kiosk and took off with property. We need help from our police because our lives are in danger,” she said.
