Rapist Gangs Terrorize Namawojjolo Residents

Residents of Nama Sub-county, Mukono District, are living in fear following the emergence of a criminal gang targeting women, particularly factory workers in the Mbalala industrial area.

A eucalyptus forest in the Kisenyi area has become a hotspot for these attacks. The forest, located near a path leading to the main road where a surveillance camera is installed, remains a major threat despite its proximity to security infrastructure.

Residents believe that any girl or woman who passes through this area, whether in the morning or at night, is at high risk of being attacked.

The concerned residents hail from Namawojjolo East, Namawojjolo West, Wanjeyo, Bwefulumya, and nearby villages in Namawojjolo Parish.

Hadijah Nambogo, a resident, disclosed that the assailants disguise themselves as women by wearing skirts and dresses to deceive their victims. “The criminals pretend to be women, making it easier for them to ambush girls along the route,” said Nambogo. She further explained that these attacks mostly occur on shortcuts, especially in the early morning hours when women are heading to work. 

The attackers not only rape their victims but also rob them of valuables such as phones, handbags, and money. Residents have accused local leaders of neglecting their complaints. Some parents have opted to keep their daughters from attending school out of fear, while others have requested factories to adjust workers’ reporting times to minimize risk. 

Additionally, parents are being forced to stop their children from attending evening lessons due to insecurity in the community. Kazibwe Kuzayima highlighted the devastating social impact of these crimes, stating that rape cases have led to the breakdown of families, attributing the issue to an influx of people from unknown areas.

Local leaders, including Namawojjolo LC II Chairperson Lwanga Charles and Nama Sub-county Councilor Richard Ssemanda, have strongly condemned the crimes and issued warnings to the perpetrators. “Whoever is caught engaging in such acts will regret it,” Lwanga warned. He also urged security forces to intervene and provide protection for residents. 

Nama Sub-county Chairperson Isabirye John Bosco Emma acknowledged the efforts of local leaders but cited a shortage of police officers as a major challenge in ensuring security. Mukono District Resident District Commissioner Hajjati Fatumah Ndisaba Nabittaka assured the community that police investigations were already underway. 

“I have alerted the police to begin an investigation into this matter and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice,” she stated.