Machete-Wielding Gangs Unleash New Wave of Violence in Kiryandong

Three organised criminal gangs have launched a fresh wave of attacks in Kiryandongo District, targeting residents in their homes and pedestrians travelling at night with electronic gadgets and cash.

The attacks, which have intensified over the last three months, have left communities in fear and disrupted night-time movement.

According to security officials, the gangs, identified as the Gaza Group, Pentagon Group, and Agu Group, operate mainly in Bweyale and Kigumba townships, areas experiencing rapid population growth due to increased business activity.

Authorities say the fast-developing townships have become a haven for some of the most notorious criminals in the district.

Each gang reportedly has a commander who directs its operations. The groups are accused of a range of violent crimes, including robbery, murder, house break-ins, and serious assaults. 

Security sources reveal that the gangs typically move in groups and attack without warning, armed with machetes and iron bars. Their targets include phones, cash, motorcycles, and household items.

Jonathan Akweteireho, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), says the thugs have taken over several streets and neighbourhoods, terrorising residents mostly at night.

“They break into people’s houses armed with machetes, stealing television sets, laptops, mattresses, phones, anything they can find. They also waylay boda boda riders and other residents returning from work, snatching phones and riding off with motorcycles,” Akweteireho said.

He urged members of the business community to avoid moving with large sums of money or valuables at night and appealed to the public to report suspicious behaviour.

He also confirmed that security forces are conducting targeted operations to dismantle the gangs’ networks.

Residents say the situation has deteriorated, forcing many to live in constant fear.

Judith Kayom, a resident of Kigumba Town Council, said the gangs strike under the cover of darkness, leaving communities sleepless.

“They move in groups and are always armed with machetes and iron bars. They are very violent. We appeal to security to intensify night patrols,” she said.

Jimmy Ochaya from Bweyale noted that many people now close their businesses as early as 7 p.m. to avoid attacks.

“We are not secure at all. These criminals invade homes armed with pangas and iron bars. Residents are living in fear, we need urgent intervention,” he said.

Juliet Adoko, a resident of Kiryandongo Town Council, called for enhanced surveillance and increased patrols to curb the rising crime rate.

Kiryandongo has previously recorded with similar attacks. In 2023, both police and military personnel were heavily deployed in Bweyale and Kigumba following a surge in criminal gang activity.

Then, as now, the gangs used machetes to break into homes, target travellers, and snatch motorcycles.

Despite ongoing security efforts, residents say the gangs have re-emerged stronger, prompting renewed calls for sustained and visible enforcement to restore safety in the district.