Description

November saw a significant deterioration of the security situation in the central part of Uganda particularly in Masaka, Ssembabule, Lwengo, Bukomansimbi and Kalungu Districts. Anonymous letters and leaflets have been disseminated around the districts threatening residents who are now living in fear. Many residents have been robbed, beaten and others stabbed to death shortly after receiving the anonymous leaflets. There have also been reported incidents of rape and arson. These endless attacks have left many unanswered questions among the community and tension is very high. According to several victims, the attackers have common characteristics; raiding rural areas and trading centers, attacking at night and distributing the leaflets before the attacks. Police has been heavily deployed in the area and intensified community policing programs to deter the criminals. More than one hundred and eighty (180) suspected criminals have been arrested in the last couple of weeks. This is not the first time that these mysterious attacks are occurring in the region. In April 2017, the SAFE program reported on these attacks in its monthly conflict assessment report. At that time, Members of Parliament (MPs) led by the Leader of Opposition Hon Winnie Kiiza had tasked the Government of Uganda (GOU) to explain the high level of insecurity and the anonymous letters in the greater Masaka area. This is a worrying trend and the GOU should contain the situation. The SAFE program will continue monitoring the situation.