Panic gripped Nagulu Kiwalimu Zone in Nakawa Division after a gang of armed youths staged a brutal overnight attack, leaving at least one person dead, three seriously injured, and extensive property damage in their wake.
The attack occurred around 1am on Saturday when a group of nine unidentified assailants stormed the area wielding machetes, hammers, and metal bars.
Residents said the gang broke into homes, beat occupants, and destroyed electronics, fridges, and other household items.
In a dramatic turn, community members overpowered the attackers. One of the suspects was killed by an angry mob, while eight others were rescued by police.
Kampala Metropolitan East Police Commander Jonathan Musinguzi confirmed the arrests, saying four suspects are being held at Kira Road Police Station, while four others—badly beaten—are under police guard at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
“Investigations are underway, and we are following up leads to determine the motive behind this vicious act,” said Musinguzi.
“We condemn mob justice and urge residents to allow the law to handle this matter.”
Local Council Chairperson Ahmed Matovu said the attack may be linked to a long-running land dispute between the Musiahu-Din Muslim Community and ISBAT University, which has been the subject of government intervention.
“Minister Sam Mayanja visited the disputed site and gave directives meant to ease tensions, but the Muslim community rejected the decision and opted to go to court,” Matovu said.
“A hearing was scheduled for June 30, but violence erupted before then.”
While police have not confirmed any direct connection between the land wrangle and the attack, Commander Musinguzi stressed that disputes must be resolved legally, not through violence.
Police have since heightened security in the area to restore calm and prevent further unrest.
Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi and Nakawa Division Mayor Paul Mugambe visited the affected families on Saturday, condemned the violence, and pledged support.
“This is a tragic and unacceptable incident,” Ssenyonyi said. “We must all reject violence and allow justice to prevail.”
Residents remain in fear, demanding stronger and lasting security interventions as they recover from what many describe as one of the worst attacks in the area’s recent memory.