Net pic of handcuffed suspect
The number of suspects arrested by the police’s violent crime unit the Flying Squad has increased from 15 barely a fortnight ago to now 26. Flying Squad swung into action after several schools majorly in Wakiso and Mpigi had been attacked by the machete wielding thugs who varnished with more than 113 million shillings.
Among the suspects include a Kenyan national identified as Yusuf Babu who security say is the overall commander of a criminal gang that has been operating in clusters of three to seven people and uses motor vehicles to deploy and flee the scenes.
Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, said Babu has been arrested with other suspects that include Emma Ssetenda, Paul Mayengo Musinguzi aka Mulefu, and Mawejje Reagan who have since confessed to having participated in the attack and robberies at UMEA Primary School in Kyebando – Nansana, Bodoko Primary School at Kayunga in Wakiso and Kyadondo Islamic Secondary School, Matugga.
Babu and his group killed a security guard identified as Solomon Mujumbi and severely injured John Asingya before they robbed 111 million shillings at Kyadondo Ismail Secondary School, on February 9, 2023.
“The group was also behind the attack and robbery at St. Joseph’s Junior Seminary, Nswanjere, where they stole the ciborium and robbed UGX1.4 million, two laptops, and mobile phones from the priests,” Enanga said.
Flying Squad has so far recovered three motor vehicles used to facilitate their criminal operations. The other exhibits police have recovered include; an HP printer, 3 laptop bags, black face masks, and several house breaking implements.
“We have now clocked 14 days without any new attacks on schools. The recoveries and arrests demonstrate our resolve to disrupt and dismantle rackets behind attacks on schools. We also thank all members of the task team, who participated in the operation and all persons who volunteered the information that led to the arrests and recoveries,” Enanga said.
Police have urged all school administrators and proprietors to periodically review and upgrade their security and safety measures. In some instances, students have been beaten by attackers while they are in preps. This is why police have rallied school managers to increase security at their respective schools.