Police in Mityana have impounded 15 vehicles and arrested their drivers in a major operation targeting a group of youths popularly known as "Abasayika," whose members have been accused of reckless driving, public disorder and other criminal activities.
The intelligence-led operation was launched following a fatal road crash on June 1 in Mityana Municipality involving a Toyota Mark X, registration number UBN 773L, which allegedly rammed into six pedestrians.
Two people died instantly while four others, including children, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Mityana General Hospital for treatment.
The incident sparked outrage among residents, who reportedly attacked the driver before security personnel intervened.
During efforts to disperse the crowd, a police officer attached to a nearby Centenary Bank security detail fired warning shots into the air.
Police said the officer's firearm later discharged accidentally after it fell to the ground amid the chaos.
The crash reignited public concern over the activities of the so-called "Abasayika," a loosely organized group of young motorists who residents accuse of dangerous driving, traffic violations and involvement in unlawful activities.
According to Lameck Kigozi, the operation resulted in the seizure of 15 vehicles and the arrest of all drivers connected to them.
"Every vehicle that was impounded has a driver who has already been arrested. Several of the suspects have since been remanded to Mityana Government Prison as investigations continue," Kigozi said.
He said the operation was intended to restore order on the roads and respond to increasing complaints from members of the public regarding reckless driving and disregard for traffic regulations.
Mityana Traffic Officer Francis Natukwasa said most of the impounded vehicles were Subaru and Toyota Mark X models, which are commonly associated with the group.
"A number of the drivers did not possess the required driving documents, while others were found committing various traffic offences. We shall continue enforcing the law to ensure road safety," Natukwasa said.
The crackdown has also drawn attention to allegations that some influential individuals have been shielding members of the group from law enforcement.
Several local leaders accused unnamed officials of benefiting from the youths' activities, making it difficult for authorities to decisively address the problem.
Mityana Deputy Resident District Commissioner Prossy Mwanjuzi warned that both gang members and anyone protecting them would face the law.
"No one should think they are above the law. Leaders who are shielding wrong elements will also be held accountable. We want this group dismantled and order restored in Mityana," Mwanjuzi said.
She said security agencies were determined to eliminate criminal networks operating within the district and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
The group popularly known as "Abasayika" is largely composed of youths estimated to be between 17 and 25 years old. Residents have long questioned the source of the group's apparent wealth, noting that several members drive expensive vehicles and maintain lifestyles that appear beyond their known sources of income.
As investigations continue, residents say they hope the operation will mark a turning point in efforts to improve road safety and address criminal activity linked to the group.