Residents and local leaders in Mityana Municipality have expressed growing concern over rising insecurity following the killing of two people in separate incidents that occurred on the same day.
The murders have heightened fear among residents, particularly in Busimbi Division, where communities are now calling for urgent intervention from security agencies to restore public confidence and safety.
One of the incidents occurred in Naama Village, where a woman identified as Grace Katushabe was reportedly attacked and killed by unknown assailants.
According to residents, neighbours rushed to the scene after hearing cries for help but found that the victim had already succumbed to her injuries.
In a separate incident, residents of Kibibi Garage B Village woke up to the shocking discovery of the body of 25-year-old Tofire Muhirwe. Reports indicate that Muhirwe had only recently relocated to the area before meeting his death under circumstances that remain unclear.
The two killings have sparked anxiety among residents, with many fearing that criminal gangs could be operating within their communities.
Concerned by the incidents, leaders in Busimbi Division convened an emergency meeting involving Local Council chairpersons from across the division to discuss measures aimed at tackling the growing cases of crime and violence.
Busimbi Division Mayor Hajji Haruna Kibirige Nziza said the situation requires a coordinated response involving both residents and security agencies.
“The recent killings have created fear among our people. We are working closely with security agencies and local leaders to strengthen community vigilance and ensure that criminals are identified and brought to justice,” he said.
Local Council leaders who attended the meeting expressed concern over what they described as an increasing trend of insecurity and urged police to intensify investigations and security operations.
“Residents are worried because these incidents happened within a short period of time. We need thorough investigations and stronger security operations to restore confidence in our communities,” one of the leaders said.
Wamala Regional Police spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi said investigations into the murders are ongoing and that security agencies have already launched intelligence-led operations targeting suspected criminals.
“Police have commenced investigations and intelligence-led operations. Several suspects have already been arrested to assist with inquiries, and more efforts are ongoing to track down all those responsible,” Kigozi said.
He also urged Local Council leaders to strengthen community surveillance by closely monitoring new residents settling in their areas and reporting suspicious individuals to security authorities.
Police have appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with investigators and promptly report suspicious activities as efforts continue to combat crime and improve security across the municipality.
Authorities say community involvement, coupled with intensified security operations, will be critical in addressing growing concerns over murder and other criminal activities in Mityana Municipality.