Police in Kapchorwa have arrested more than 35 suspected criminal gang members during a night operation aimed at curbing increasing cases of robbery and rape in the area. The operation, which started on Wednesday night and continued through Thursday, targeted hotspots where gangs have been terrorizing residents, especially women returning home from evening market activities.
Speaking to Uganda Radio Network, Sipi Region Police Spokesperson Fredmark Chesang said the security operation was intended to restore calm and improve safety within the municipality following rising complaints from the public.He says the suspects were rounded up in coordinated night patrols by police and other security agencies in different parts of Kapchorwa Municipality.
“The operation is aimed at cleaning up the municipality following increasing criminal acts, especially robbery and rape cases reported by residents,” he said. According to local leaders, the gangs have for months been attacking residents, snatching valuables, and targeting women who return home late from markets and business centres.
Ann Chelangat, the LC1 Chairperson of Sosio Cell, said many residents have suffered losses from the criminal activities, creating fear in the community. Chelangat explained that women traders and other residents moving at night have become the main targets of the suspected gangs, forcing some businesses to close earlier than usual.“Residents have lost money, phones and other valuables to these gangs.
Women returning from the markets are the most affected,” Chelangat said. “Others have already been taken to court, while other are waiting for the state atony to saction their files.” Amiri David, the LC3 Chairperson for East Division in Kapchorwa Municipality, welcomed the police operation, saying insecurity had become a major concern among residents and leaders.
Amiri called for stronger collaboration between the public and security agencies to help identify and eliminate criminal elements in the municipality.“We appreciate the security operation because residents have been living in fear. Community members should continue cooperating with police by reporting suspicious individuals,” Amiri said.
Martin Kamuron, a resident of Barawa Cell, urged security agencies to maintain routine patrols after the current operation to prevent criminals from regrouping. Kamuron said sustained patrols and quick response by security personnel would help restore public confidence and improve safety, especially during night hours.“Police should continue with regular patrols because these gangs often return when security operations are relaxed,” he insisted. URN