The police violence crime units; Flying Squad Unit and Crime Intelligence have arrested Ali Katende alias Mao with nine guns in his a hideout in Masaka City.
Katende who is linked to attacks on police officers at Kyabadaza and Busiika police stations was picked in Nyendo-Mukungwe division.
Kyabadaza was attacked by men armed with a PK machine gun about 20 days ago while Busiika was attacked on October 31.
Katende’s group, according to Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, killed two civilians Ibra Kalyango and Peter Nsubuga who questioned their presence at Kasule Ayanguwa village a few minutes to midnight.
Enanga said police recovered a PK Machine gun, and seven Sub Machine Guns, a pistol, and explosives
Police have so far successfully carried out three operations targeting terrorists linked to Allied Democratic Forces- ADF rebels in the last two weeks.
Masaka operation, according to Enanga, followed the earlier ones conducted in Maganjo and Matugga. The Matugga operation led to the killing of two suspects Male Muhanga and Akim Kajubi.
FSU have so arrested three suspects linked to ADF building on the intelligence provided by locals.
“We managed to track down, a one Katende Ali alias Mao, an ADF commander of the Nyendo cell in Masaka City. We have further established, that he was part of the group, which attacked Busika Police Station on the 31,10.2022, where 3 police officers namely; D/IP Bagaluka Alex, PC Ongol Moses, and PC Odama Stephen, were killed in the line of duty,” Enanga said.
Security have allegedly obtained information on the identities and descriptions of the other ADF remnants, still at large, who were trying to reconstitute and establish operational cells in Wakiso District and Masaka city.
At least 10 police officers, soldiers and private security guards have been killed by thugs targeting their guns.
The Inspector General of Police- IGP Martin Ochola has applauded FSU and CI tactical squads and the territorial team in Masaka City, for their acts of bravery and professionalism, while carrying out the successful operation.
“We also want to thank the residents of Nyendo, who supported our intelligence. We urge all other Ugandans to emulate them and reject all forms of terrorism, because it totally undermines the values of liberty, humanity, freedom and togetherness of our country,” Enanga said.
Security has also reiterated that all persons arrested, are not targeted for their beliefs or religion, but due to their acts of conspiracy and hostile engagements of violence, perpetrated against Ugandans.