Fourth Person Killed in Latest Jinja City Crime Wave
Waiswa’s killing follows three similar incidents reported earlier this month. The first victim, Fred Wango, was killed along Kamuli Road in the Southern Division on December 9, 2025. Two days later, on December 11, Lawrence Oketcho was killed in the same Kamuli Road area. The third victim, Yusuf Mukasa, was murdered on December 14, 2025, in the Wanyange area.
According to preliminary information, Waiswa is suspected to have been intercepted by attackers outside his gate, struck with a blunt object, and left for dead. The assailants reportedly fled the scene with his mobile phone, a pattern similar to the previous three killings.
Waiswa lived at his family home. His mother, Kasifa Kalembe, said her son usually returned home between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. She explained that the family grew concerned when he failed to return home and did not communicate with them. They spent the early morning hours inquiring from relatives and friends about his whereabouts. “As we were still worried, a neighbour called and told us there was a lifeless body lying outside our gate. When we rushed there, we realised it was my son,” Kalembe said.
Kalembe said Waiswa lost his wife during the COVID-19 period and thereafter moved back home with his children. The family supported him in raising his two children. She described him as a caring and devoted father who always prioritised the welfare of his children. To supplement his income, Waiswa had set up an evening beverages stall, which enabled him to pay school fees for his children.
Residents have accused the police of failing to decisively address what they describe as a growing wave of violent crime in the city. Asnas Mutiibwa, a resident of Third Lane in the Northern Division of Jinja City, said security agencies continue to issue assurances without tangible results.
“The statement that ‘we are still investigating’ sounds rehearsed and meant to divert us from demanding comprehensive security. What we need during this festive season is visible security, not convincing statements,” Mutiibwa said. She added that any suspicious loss of life should be thoroughly investigated and perpetrators prosecuted to allow families to attain justice.
Another resident, Proscovia Mulungi of Walukuba Cell, said criminals have become increasingly aggressive during the festive season, openly demanding money from unsuspecting residents. Mulungi said she has adjusted her working hours to avoid moving at night. “I operate a food stall which used to run from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., but for security reasons, I have revised my hours from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. These thieves usually operate from around 7:30 p.m. into the early morning hours,” she said.
In response, the Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, James Mubi, said police have identified crime black spots across Jinja City and held precautionary meetings with LC I chairpersons to encourage vigilance within communities. Mubi said police have intensified both motorised and foot patrols to enhance security for residents and their property.
He added that an undisclosed number of suspects have been arrested in connection with the recent killings, some of whom have been charged with murder and remanded. Mubi advised members of the public to avoid walking alone during late-night and early-morning hours, which he said are the peak times for criminal activity
According to preliminary information, Waiswa is suspected to have been intercepted by attackers outside his gate, struck with a blunt object, and left for dead. The assailants reportedly fled the scene with his mobile phone, a pattern similar to the previous three killings.
Waiswa lived at his family home. His mother, Kasifa Kalembe, said her son usually returned home between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. She explained that the family grew concerned when he failed to return home and did not communicate with them. They spent the early morning hours inquiring from relatives and friends about his whereabouts. “As we were still worried, a neighbour called and told us there was a lifeless body lying outside our gate. When we rushed there, we realised it was my son,” Kalembe said.
Kalembe said Waiswa lost his wife during the COVID-19 period and thereafter moved back home with his children. The family supported him in raising his two children. She described him as a caring and devoted father who always prioritised the welfare of his children. To supplement his income, Waiswa had set up an evening beverages stall, which enabled him to pay school fees for his children.
Residents have accused the police of failing to decisively address what they describe as a growing wave of violent crime in the city. Asnas Mutiibwa, a resident of Third Lane in the Northern Division of Jinja City, said security agencies continue to issue assurances without tangible results.
“The statement that ‘we are still investigating’ sounds rehearsed and meant to divert us from demanding comprehensive security. What we need during this festive season is visible security, not convincing statements,” Mutiibwa said. She added that any suspicious loss of life should be thoroughly investigated and perpetrators prosecuted to allow families to attain justice.
Another resident, Proscovia Mulungi of Walukuba Cell, said criminals have become increasingly aggressive during the festive season, openly demanding money from unsuspecting residents. Mulungi said she has adjusted her working hours to avoid moving at night. “I operate a food stall which used to run from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., but for security reasons, I have revised my hours from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. These thieves usually operate from around 7:30 p.m. into the early morning hours,” she said.
In response, the Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, James Mubi, said police have identified crime black spots across Jinja City and held precautionary meetings with LC I chairpersons to encourage vigilance within communities. Mubi said police have intensified both motorised and foot patrols to enhance security for residents and their property.
He added that an undisclosed number of suspects have been arrested in connection with the recent killings, some of whom have been charged with murder and remanded. Mubi advised members of the public to avoid walking alone during late-night and early-morning hours, which he said are the peak times for criminal activity
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Fourth Person Killed in Latest Jinja City Crime Wave
Waiswa’s killing follows three similar incidents reported earlier this month. The first victim, Fred Wango, was killed along Kamuli Road in the Southern Division on December 9, 2025.
