Fear Grips Kawempe as Wave of Night Attacks Spreads in Corner Zone

Kampala, April 19, 2026 - Residents of Nkere Village and Corner Zone in Kazo Angola Parish, Kawempe Division, are living in fear following a surge in violent attacks attributed to suspected local criminal groups, with some households considering abandoning their homes.

The community says insecurity has escalated to both daytime and nighttime assaults, leaving residents injured, traumatized, and increasingly unable to carry out daily activities.

“We no longer sleep. These criminals attack us at any time,” one resident said, describing repeated assaults and thefts.

According to residents, many of the suspected attackers are young people from within the same community, a development they say has made prevention and control more difficult. “These are our own children, but they have turned against us,” another resident said.

Locals have also pointed to what they describe as a breakdown in local leadership. They claim that the LC1 chairperson, Mathias Mulumba, relocated to Matuga, while his deputy also left the area, leaving administrative structures largely inactive.

“The LC1 office is always closed, and we have nowhere to report our issues,” one resident said.

Corner Zone, a densely populated area where many residents rely on vending, market trade, and small businesses, is said to have become increasingly vulnerable amid the leadership vacuum.

Residents further allege that the situation worsened following the arrest of a local defense official, Gerald Sande, who had previously coordinated night patrols in the area. “Since he was arrested, the criminals have returned and are now more aggressive,” a resident said.

Sande was detained in connection with allegations surrounding the death of a suspected criminal, identified as Yudah Kavuma, who was reportedly killed by a mob.

Several victims have shared accounts of violent attacks, including physical assaults and robberies. Vicent Mayengo, a trader at Nakasero Market, said he was severely beaten during one incident and continues to live with injuries.

“They attacked me and beat me badly. I still have scars on my body,” he said.

Residents also accuse a group of suspected gang members, locally identified as Musege, Dog D, and Owetanzaniya, of orchestrating a series of attacks, including an assault on a school security guard who was reportedly injured and robbed.

Despite the worsening insecurity, some residents have controversially called for the release of Sande, arguing that his presence previously helped stabilize the area.

“If it is possible, they should release him. We need security more than anything right now,” one resident said.

However, LC1 chairperson Mathias Mulumba dismissed claims that his relocation contributed to the security crisis, urging residents to follow proper administrative procedures.

“My leaving the area does not mean people should take the law into their own hands,” he said. “They should elect a new chairperson, and I am no longer responsible for the village.”

As fear continues to spread, residents are calling on security agencies to intervene urgently, warning that continued inaction could force further displacement from the area.