Residents of Kitemu Kyambazi in Kaaso Town, Kyengera are living in fear following a violent attack by machete-wielding thugs that left four people hospitalized with severe injuries.
The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning when the assailants, armed with machetes and reportedly a gun, stormed the village, hacking residents and breaking into several homes.
One of the victims, Emmanuel Mugisha, recounted his terrifying ordeal from his hospital bed at Healing Fountain Medical Clinic in Kyengera.
He said he was ambushed around 2am while returning home after watching the Liverpool vs. Manchester United football match.
“They suddenly jumped out of the dark and started cutting me. One of them had what looked like a gun. I tried to defend myself, but they overpowered me,” Mugisha narrated weakly.
According to Dr Joshua Kateu, the head of Healing Fountain Medical Clinic, Mugisha was brought in with deep cuts on his arms and head but is currently in stable condition.
“He had lost a lot of blood when he was brought in. We managed to stabilize him and the other victims who were attacked the same night,” Dr Kateu said.
Residents say the attacks are part of a growing wave of insecurity that has gripped Kyengera Town Council in recent months.
They claim at least 11 homes have been broken into by machete-wielding thugs, leaving the community in panic.
“We hardly sleep anymore. Every night, we fear they will come back. We need more police patrols in our area,” said one resident who preferred anonymity for security reasons.
Local leaders have condemned the attacks and called for swift action by security agencies.
Ronald Kafeero, the area councillor, and Ibra Mutebi, the deputy chairperson, said residents are living in great fear and appealed to authorities to restore peace and order in the community.
Mathias Walukagga, chairperson of Kyengera Town Council (Kaaso Division), urged the police to intensify investigations and apprehend all those responsible.
“We cannot allow criminals to destabilize our area. Security agencies must act quickly to protect our people,” Walukagga said.
He also cautioned social media users—particularly those on X (formerly Twitter)—against impersonating him or using his name to spread insults against individuals or the government.
Luke Oweyesigyire, the Deputy Police Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan, confirmed the incident and said police have launched a full-scale investigation.
“We have arrested some suspects believed to be behind the attacks, and they are currently detained at Nsangi Police Station. We are also increasing patrols in the affected areas to ensure residents’ safety,” Oweyesigyire said.
He assured residents that security forces are committed to restoring peace in Kyengera and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
As investigations continue, the people of Kitemu Kyambazi remain on edge, praying that the wave of machete attacks that has haunted parts of Kyengera Town Council finally comes to an end.
