Violent crimes continue to unsettle Ugandans

The killing of Rugby Cranes player Sydney Gongodyo by a mob in Kira in Kampala on Friday has renewed concerns about public safety and the growing incidence of mob justice amid reports of murder, robbery and theft in different parts of the country.

Gongodyo, 27, was allegedly attacked by an angry crowd after being accused of snatching a woman's handbag.

His death has drawn attention to the security challenges facing communities and the increasing tendency by some members of the public to take the law into their own hands.

The incident comes at a time when security agencies across the country are grappling with cases of murder, violent crime and mob action, even as authorities maintain that the overall security situation remains stable.

In the Kigezi sub-region, police have attributed the rampant murder cases to domestic violence and land-related disputes among community members.

The Kigezi Regional Police Community Liaison Officer, Mr Gilbert Kags Mwebembezi, said most of the murder cases registered in recent months stem from family conflicts and disagreements over land ownership.

According to records at the Kigezi Regional Police headquarters, eight murder cases were recorded in April this year, rising to 10 in May. So far, two murder cases have been registered in June.

Police data indicates that the majority of the killings were classified as murder by assault, while others involved stabbing, strangulation and mob action.

Mr Mwebembezi said police have intensified community policing efforts to curb the trend through public sensitisation campaigns.

"We are carrying out community policing to sensitise the public about the consequences of committing criminal offences, especially murder. We use FM radio programmes, community meetings, churches and other public gatherings to educate people and discourage criminality," he said.

The Director of Local Sustainable Communities Organisation (LOSCO), Mr Albert Taremwa, said the murders are also being driven by drug abuse, poverty and gender-based violence arising from misunderstandings among married couples.

Mr Taremwa called for stronger community engagement and enforcement of local governance structures to address the root causes of violent crime.

“There is a need to intensify community policing to sensitise people about the laws and penalties for various criminal offences as a way of deterring potential offenders. Functional local council systems can also play a key role in combating crime at the village level,” he said.

He urged community leaders, law enforcement agencies and residents to work toge