Police in Jinja have apprehended five suspected machete-wielding criminals believed to be part of a notorious gang responsible for a series of violent attacks and robberies in major cities across Uganda. The arrests follow a targeted police operation aimed at dismantling organized crime in the region.
Among those arrested is 24-year-old Latif Abdallah Mulondo, alias “Assassin,” who is alleged to be the commander of the gang. Mulondo was apprehended alongside his wife, Rosette Wilimana, 21, both of whom are residents of Namulanda along Entebbe Road. The couple had reportedly been involved in coordinating several criminal operations.
In addition to the gang leader and his wife, the police also arrested Joseph Lubirire, 23, and his girlfriend, Cate Mpumwire, 28. Mpumwire is alleged to have been the chief financier for the gang’s illegal activities, providing funds for the operations. Another key player in the gang, Jacob Ogwal, was arrested as well. Ogwal was the driver of a Mark X vehicle, registration number UBM 318D, which was reportedly used by the gang during their operations, including violent robberies and escapes.
According to James Mubi, the Kiira Region police spokesperson, the arrests followed an extended investigation and tracking operation. The police had been monitoring “Assassin” and his gang for some time. It is alleged that on September 28, 2024, “Assassin” had planned to relocate from Namulanda to Nakaloke in Jinja City, a move that prompted the police to begin trailing him. The coordinated effort eventually led to the arrest of the gang members.
Mubi explained that the gang was linked to a particularly violent incident that occurred on October 1, 2023, in Jinja. On this day, the suspects are alleged to have been involved in an aggravated robbery where they ambushed two Chinese nationals. The victims were transporting Nile panch maw worth 175 million shillings in a Toyota Regius vehicle with registration number UAZ 949S. The gang reportedly used machetes, commonly referred to as “Ebijambiya,” to threaten and hold the victims hostage. After robbing them, they dumped the two Chinese nationals in a swamp in Budondo, before disappearing with the maw.
The value of Nile panch maw, which is highly prized in international markets, has made it a lucrative target for criminal groups. This particular robbery shocked the local community due to the brutality involved, but it also triggered a robust police response, culminating in the latest arrests.
Mubi further revealed that the five arrested suspects are part of a larger criminal network. Nine other members of the same gang had previously been arrested and were remanded to Kirinya Prison last year. Their arrests had already dealt a blow to the gang’s operations, but these latest arrests are seen as a major breakthrough in the fight against organized crime in the region.
Speaking to reporters, Mubi reassured the public that police operations against criminals in Jinja City will not cease until the city experiences peace and security. “We are committed to ensuring that law and order are restored in Jinja. Our operations will continue until the city breathes a sigh of relief,” Mubi stated.
The gang’s arrest marks a significant victory for law enforcement, but it also highlights the ongoing challenges that police face in dealing with violent, organized crime. The use of machetes and other crude weapons in robberies has become increasingly common in certain parts of Uganda, making the need for sustained police efforts more pressing.
As investigations continue, police are confident that they will gather more evidence to prosecute the suspects involved in the criminal operations. The arrest of Mulondo, alias “Assassin,” and his associates, is a major step in breaking the back of a criminal network that has terrorized not only Jinja but other major cities across the country.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with the authorities by reporting any suspicious activities as efforts to combat crime in the region continue.
