Residents in Namugongo say they are having a sigh of relief following a relatively low crime rate in the recent past.
Namongongo has been a hotspot for crime, but the residents have benefited from the security operations, community policing, and nightly patrols that have reduced crime.
Michal Ssendawula, chairperson of Namugongo Nsawo Zone, says Namugongo is safer now.
He explained that the turnaround came after they wrote to several security top heads for help, citing the area’s role as a key tourist site that draws millions of local and international pilgrims for the Uganda Martyrs pilgrimage.
The appeals to top security officials came after thugs murdered several people, including lawyer Suzan Alweny of Liberty General Insurance in 2022. She was struck on the head with a blunt object while stopping to buy meat along the Kiwatule-Naalya road.
Alweny’s death followed the murder of George Ekochu, an auditor and cousin to NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region Mike Mukula. Ekochu was ambushed and killed by iron-bar hitmen in Namugongo Buloli Zone.
Agnes Nantongo was also struck with a blunt object while waiting for a taxi in the same area in 2024. Her death, along with other murders, house break-ins, and shop robberies, led to tighter security.A police post at Agenda Bridge has since reduced night attacks on motorists and pedestrians.
Ssendawula credited motorcycle response units, night patrols, and community policing led by Kira Division Police Commander Julius Tugumenawe for teaming up with police and local leaders to drive out gangs.
He urged the Kira Division Police Commander to prevent security lapses that criminals in hiding could exploit.Some of the residents say the deployment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces-UPDF soldiers to conduct joint patrols with police in the area has also gone a long way in driving criminals away.
While releasing the 2025 annual crime report, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Abas Byakagaba, credited the crime drop to a 10.2% in 2025, compared to 4.1% in 2024, to the sub-county policing model, now at 56 percent nationwide, plus CCTV cameras, upgraded K9 unit, joint UPDF and Police operations, and forensic services. URN