The minister for ICT and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi has said that Masaka indiscrimate killings are perpetrated by some politicians with an intention of destabilizing the relative peace ushered in by Ugandan government.
As of today, 26 people have so far died and dozens are surviving with injuries in Masaka city, Bukamansimbi, kalungu and Lwengo districts. A result, residents have been living in fear for last one month. Most of the victims targeted are the elderly between 50 and 80 years who are hit with blunt objects on the head and others with machetes.
Although clear motive behind is still unclear, the minister of state for internal affairs Gen.David Muhoozi yesterday reported to parliament that they suspect, these thugs kill people with an intention of causing terror and fear among the general public. The police says that the groups behind the killings of people in greater Masaka area are organized and sponsored by individuals that are yet to be discovered. These criminals target vulnerable people living alone or those in small families.
According to authorities, some of the victims who have died include Joyce Nantale, 64 year old and her grand-daughter Barbara 6 years old who were murdered on Friday night at Buwaasa Village, Kasaana Parish, Kkingo Sub County in Lwengo district.
Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga said 15 suspects have been arrested. They have have already admitted to the killings and will be a lead to the masterminds of these activities. He said this on Monday 30th August at the police headquarters, Naguru Kampala.
Dr. Solomon Asiimwe, a security expert says that the masterminds of these killings want to prove government on a wrong side. This is not the first time that a cloud of uncertainty about whether one is to live or not woovers around greater Masaka. In June 2009, 14 murders were registered in greater Masaka and they were attributed to contract killers. History is repeating itself. In the end of 2018 and early 2019, about 13 people were killed.
Security authorities in greater Masaka sub region have instructed village leaders to submit lists of residents in two weeks as one of the ways to fight insecurity.
