Sigh of relief as residents go 7 days without Bijambiya incidents in Greater Masaka

There have been no incidents of bijambiya in the Greater Masaka Region for 7 days now, the UPDF has confirmed.

Addressing the media in Kampala this morning, UPDF Deputy PRO Lt. Col. Ronald Kakurungu said that they joined police in operations to end the terror caused by panga wielding assailants who killed at least 26 people in a space of one month.

Now, Kakurungu says 78 suspects were arrested in connection to the murders, and 12 of these have already been charged in Courts of law for murder and related conspiracies.

He says they have established joint operations in the area with Uganda police leading with support from UPDF and Intelligence agencies, to continue picking more information and restoring confidence in people.

“We want to continue picking more information and deescalate the threat, give confidence to people by conducting joint patrols, joint intelligence sharing and in investigations, there is a lot of support we are giving to the police,” Kakurungu said.

He appealed for calmness especially for the people in Greater Masaka and the country at large. Adding that they are making efforts to ensure the same does not repeat itself.

Police spokesperson CP Fred Enanga identified the 12 people charged as; Ssewankambo Muhammad, Kibirango Johnbosco, Ssekajugo Paul, Mutabazi Batista, Kabayo Henry, Kaganda Moses, Tumwesigye, Kaiza Ashraf, Ssebunya Isa, Tyabula David, Sserwada Mike and Muwonge Jude.

according to Enanga, an additional 11 suspects are pending Court either today or tomorrow, following sanctioning of their file. This will bring to 23, the number of suspects charged for taking part in the 26 murders. The task team is searching for one Mulumba Kassim who was behind the attempted murder of Nakyanzi Maria in Kyotera. The victim is now out of danger.

Police also foiled attacks in Butenga, Bukomansimbi, following information from residents. Enanga also applauded residents of Lwengo and Masaka for providing information that helped with the arrest of the murderers.