Surge in machete attacks leaves residents on edge – The Kampala Report

Residents of Mukono Municipality are increasingly gripped by fear and unease following a series of violent machette attacks over the past month. The attacks, carried out by men on boda bodas, typically occur just before midnight, leaving the community on edge.

The latest and most alarming incident occurred on August 16th, when Dr. Anthony Kkonde, the Medical Director of Mukono, was viciously attacked around 11 p.m. while walking home. Dr. Kkonde suffered multiple cuts to his head and body during the attack.

Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Oweyesigyire confirmed the incident, stating that Dr. Kkonde’s body was found just meters from his home, covered in blood. Initial investigations suggest that Dr. Kkonde had parked his car at Jobia Hotel in Upper Kauga and decided to walk the short distance, about half a kilometer, to his home.

Oweyesigyire added that further details surrounding the attack are still under investigation. Dr. Kkonde was initially rushed to Mukono General Hospital for emergency treatment before being referred to Naggalama for a CT scan. The scan revealed severe brain injuries, leading to his transfer to Nakasero Hospital for further care.

According to Dr. Stephen Mulindwa, the District Health Officer, a team of doctors at Nakasero spent six hours operating on Dr. Kkonde, who remains under close monitoring. On the same night in the same area, 25-year-old Joanaas Namombwe was also brutally attacked and suffered multiple head wounds. She was quickly taken to Mukono General Hospital and later transferred to Mulago Hospital for specialized care.

David Ssemwogerere, the Defense Secretary for Upper Kauga, reported that no residents had heard any disturbances or alarms. However, the scene where the victims were found indicated a violent struggle. The wave of panga attacks began on July 20th, when Frank Bayinda, a bodaboda rider, was attacked and injured in Kyungu Village while returning home from work. Since then, several other residents have been attacked, including Ronald Nsubuga, a resident of Kauga, who was hacked and left on the road on July 28th.

On August 3rd, Badru Sukulu from Lower Kauga narrowly escaped an attack around 10 p.m. but sustained injuries from the cuts. On August 14th, Matiya Mutema was assaulted while coming from a bar on Namiryango Road in Gwafu Village, Goma Division. In early August, 35-year-old Patrick Okware, a security guard from Marvel Security Limited, was killed, and his gun stolen while he was on duty at the Kaziimba Hostels, owned by Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu.

The attacks have spread across several villages, including Jjoggo, Buddugala, and Nyenje in Goma Division, as well as Upper Kauga, Lower Kauga, Nabuti, Ntaawo, and Total Village in the Central Division. In Ntawo Village, Esther Nakibirango, a worker at Seeta Market, was brutally attacked around 11 p.m., resulting in broken fingers on her right hand. Her husband, Moses Kaddu, shared that Esther is receiving serious treatment but is now fearful of working late into the night.

The local leaders have expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. David Sseruwagi, the LCI-Chairperson of Ntawo, noted that many victims have not reported the attacks, especially those passing through the area who were robbed during the incidents. Bitamisi Muteresa, a councilor at Mukono Municipality, voiced her frustration, saying it is heartbreaking to see the government failing to protect people and their properties.

She noted that these panga-wielding attackers were once a major threat in Masaka but have now brought fear to Mukono. Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Fatumah Ndisaba Nabitaka confirmed receiving reports of the attacks. She urged residents to report incidents to help authorities better plan and apprehend the attackers.

Ndisaba also announced that a security meeting has been called to address the situation, and police have been instructed to work with the army to arrest those responsible. She advised residents to avoid walking alone late at night unless necessary.