A renewed surge of violence has hit Kiryandongo District as three organised criminal gangs intensify attacks on residents, breaking into homes and targeting pedestrians travelling at night with cash and electronic devices.

For the past three months, these incidents have multiplied, heightening fear across communities and disrupting movement after dark.

Security officials identify the gangs known locally as the Gaza Group, Pentagon Group, and Agu Group as operating primarily in the fast-growing townships of Bweyale and Kigumba. The rapid expansion of these areas, fuelled by increased business activity, has reportedly turned them into safe havens for some of the district’s most dangerous criminals.

Each gang is believed to operate under a specific commander, and authorities accuse the groups of committing multiple violent offences, including murder, robbery, aggravated assault, and house break-ins.

According to security sources, the gangs move in packs and launch sudden attacks while wielding machetes and iron bars. Their targets range from cash and mobile phones to motorcycles and household valuables.

Jonathan Akweteireho, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), says the criminals have taken control of several neighbourhoods and streets, mainly striking at night.

“They break into people’s houses armed with machetes, stealing television sets, laptops, mattresses, phones, anything they can find. They also waylay boda boda riders and other residents returning from work, snatching phones and riding off with motorcycles,” Akweteireho said.

He advised business owners to avoid carrying large amounts of money or valuable items after dark and urged residents to report any suspicious activity. He also confirmed that security teams are currently conducting targeted operations aimed at dismantling the gangs.

Many residents say the situation has worsened, leaving them anxious and fearful.

Judith Kayom from Kigumba Town Council said the attackers operate under the cover of night, robbing entire neighbourhoods of sleep.

“They move in groups and are always armed with machetes and iron bars. They are very violent. We appeal to security to intensify night patrols,” she said.

In Bweyale, Jimmy Ochaya reported that people now shut their businesses as early as 7 p.m. to avoid falling victim to the gangs.

“We are not secure at all. These criminals invade homes armed with pangas and iron bars. Residents are living in fear, we need urgent intervention,” he said.

Juliet Adoko of Kiryandongo Town Council also called for stronger surveillance and more frequent patrols to curb the rising wave of crime.

This is not the first time Kiryandongo has faced such attacks. In 2023, heavy deployments of police and military were made in Bweyale and Kigumba following a spike in gang-related violence. Just as today, the criminals relied on machetes to raid homes, ambush travellers, and seize motorcycles.

Despite current security operations, residents report that the gangs have resurfaced with increased strength, renewing demands for consistent and visible enforcement to restore safety in the district.