Fear and anxiety have gripped residents of Kayirikiti-Piida village in Nyendo-Mukungwe division, Masaka city, following the discovery of brand-new machetes mysteriously dumped in their community.
The deadly weapons were found near the home of village chairperson Nassimu Kasesa.
Residents were left in shock when sharp machetes, resembling those used in past attacks, were discovered along the roadside leading from the Masaka-Kampala Highway.
This road is a crucial route for many residents, making the incident even more alarming.
The Kayirikiti-piida village chairperson Nassimu Kasesa was the first to spot one of the machetes.
Initially, he thought it was an isolated case, but he was soon informed by another resident about a second machete dumped nearby. Disturbingly, both weapons appeared freshly placed and strategically positioned.
"I first saw one machete and didn't think much of it," said Chairman Kasesa. "But when another resident alerted me about a second one nearby, I knew something was wrong. The way they were scattered makes me fear for our safety."
The presence of these weapons has caused widespread panic. Many residents now fear for their lives, uncertain of the intentions behind this chilling act.
"Yesterday the whole village was quite by 7pm. All residents were already in their house. In fact we're in fear." Said Jane Namakula a resident.
Julius Musaazi, also a resident of Kayirikiti-piida village, recalled how the government had previously arrested and jailed suspects linked to machete killings that terrorized Masaka and Lwengo districts which he said that it brought much comfort in the people of Masaka.
"We thought we were safe because last time we saw the government arresting people including the two parliamentary members and one of the two is now dead, should we think that he returned to take away our lives again," he lamented. "But now, with these new machetes appearing out of nowhere, we are terrified. We need protection."
In response to the growing fears, Chairman Kasesa has urged residents to stay vigilant and be prepared to defend themselves if necessary.
"We must work together and be on high alert. I encourage everyone to use whistles and other safety measures to alert neighbors in case of danger," make sure that you always keep your phones on with airtime and have your neighbors' contacts so that you can call for help in case of any danger. he advised.
Furthermore, he has asked landlords to formally register their tenants with the village committee to improve security monitoring.
Village secretary for defence Joseph Ssemussu echoed these concerns, highlighting the rise in criminal activities, including theft.
"We are not only worried about these machetes but also about the increasing cases of robbery in our area. Something must be done immediately."
Residents' fears are compounded by an incident earlier this month when unknown individuals scattered anonymous letters containing the names of security officers allegedly involved in criminal gangs.
The messages warned of impending machete attacks in Masaka, Kyotera, and Bukomansimbi districts, sending shockwaves through the community.
Masaka regional police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye has, however, moved to reassure residents, stating that security forces are already investigating the matter.
"We understand the public’s concerns, but we want to assure you that we are working tirelessly to identify those responsible and prevent any threats," he stated.
The current wave of fear is a painful reminder of past machete attacks that rocked Masaka.
Following the 2016 general elections, similar incidents occurred mostly in Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, and Sembabule districts, claiming many lives over nearly three years.
In 2021, still after elections, Masaka and Lwengo experienced renewed attacks, leaving scores of people dead. Many residents now worry that history could be repeating itself.
As investigations continue, the people of Kayirikiti-Piida remain on edge, hoping that authorities will act swiftly to prevent another tragedy.