KABALE: Police in Kabale District have apprehended 22 suspected criminals who have been instilling fear among residents in Kabale municipality. The arrest was made possible through intelligence-led operations conducted at various times, both during the day and at night, under the command of the district police commander, SP Joseph Bakaleke.

One of the apprehended individuals is Solomon Musinguzi Erias, also known as Solo, residing in Karugashi cell, Butobere ward, Central division. Musinguzi, believed to be the ringleader of the criminal group, was apprehended from Bombokya entertainment center on March 22, 2024. He and other accomplices allegedly assaulted and robbed Stella Komujuni, a local businesswoman, of her belongings, including a Samsung Galaxy A 50 smartphone valued at 1.5 million UGX, a power bank, 10,000 UGX in cash, and a set of keys.

The incident occurred on March 19, 2024, around 7:00 PM. Komujuni was hospitalized at Bethel Surgery Clinic in Kigongi, Kabale Municipality, for several days following the attack. According to Elly Maate, the Kigezi region police spokesperson, Musinguzi will face charges of aggravated robbery under Kabale CRB 281/2024.

Other suspects apprehended during the operation include Martin Ainamani, Brian Niwagaba, Ivan Kata, Joab Musinguzi, Erias Nasasira, Hillary Tumwehe, Yowasi Akandinda, and Onesmus Oyinembabazi, among others. Maate disclosed that they were apprehended in the areas of Rufura and near the main stadium while they were asleep around 8:30 PM.

Some of the suspects were found in possession of opium, burglary tools, suspected stolen items such as ATM cards, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. Additionally, they lacked proper identification documents and were unable to provide a legitimate account of their activities.

Maate emphasized that such law enforcement operations will persist to root out criminal elements within Kabale municipality and the surrounding region until peace and order are restored. He urged the public to promptly report any suspicious activities to the police and other relevant security agencies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in combating crime and ensuring community safety.