The busy part of Kikuubo in the city center, where thugs target shoppers
The police in Kampala have intensified operations in the Central Business District (CBD) following a surge in attacks by gang groups that punch unsuspecting victims and snatch their belongings. The gangs, mostly aged between 18 and 25, have been operating in hotspot areas such as the New and Old Park, Nabugabo Road, Clock Tower, Kisenyi, Johnson, and William streets.
They target vulnerable groups, including women, the elderly, and pedestrians, especially during peak hours.
According to a police officer at Nakivubo Police Post, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the attacks often involve iron knuckles or metal objects concealed on the hands, leaving victims unconscious.
“We’re seeing these cases daily, where people are being punched in congested areas around the parks, Namirembe Road, Nabugabo, and up to Kikuubo, by these criminals. We’ve intensified our operations and apprehended some of them, but their accomplices are cunning and shift their areas of operation to avoid arrest,” the officer said.
Among the recent victims is Penina Kabalungi, a tech shop attendant on Ben Kiwanuka Street. She was punched in the face, collapsing, though bystanders thwarted the thugs’ attempt to steal her phone. Kabalungi, still receiving treatment, recounted that she had been trailed from Centenary Bank in Kikuubo after withdrawing 200,000 shillings and was heading to Ham Shopping Arcade when the incident occurred.
She suspected the attacker was wearing something metallic that cut her face. After losing consciousness for several minutes, people revived her by pouring water on her.
Kabalungi, who continues to treat injuries, including a swollen face and persistent headaches, is urging police to track down and arrest her attacker.
Similarly, Frank Mwange was attacked near the Old Taxi Park, punched, and robbed of his phone. The gang allegedly lay in wait near the park entrance as he was about to board a taxi to Bunamwaya. When he refused to hand over his belongings, he was violently punched in the face around 10:00 pm. “One man came from behind and touched me on the back. When I turned around, they said, ‘Give me your phone.’ I tried to run away, and he punched me in the face with a lot of energy. I lost the bag, and they took off,” Mwange said.
Rachel Kawala, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, said the police have stepped up security in CBD hotspots, deploying both covert and overt operations to gather intelligence and apprehend the culprits. “Our teams are on daily patrols in the CBD and across the KMP area, with officers on foot, motorcycles, and covert operatives gathering intelligence. This will help us dismantle the networks behind these attacks. We plan to increase the number of officers in the area soon during these festival seasons that has started with this kind of criminality,” Kawala said.
She urged the public to exercise caution, warning that withdrawing and carrying large amounts of cash increases vulnerability.
Kawala also emphasized the importance of reporting incidents to assist police investigations.
Similar gang attacks in 2024, marked by vicious flying kicks that left victims helpless, prompted strong police action. Many suspects were arrested, charged, and sentenced, but concerns remain that lenient court rulings may allow offenders to resume criminal activity.
-URN
