Residents and business owners in Rwamahwa Kakabada Ward, Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality, are alarmed by a surge in highway robbery, which has intensified fears and uncertainty within the community. Recent break-ins have left shopkeepers devastated, as thieves brazenly steal valuable goods and cash.
A striking incident occurred early this morning when thieves broke into a local shop by cutting through iron sheets. Atukwase Amos, popularly known as Kakaaga and a local bodaboda rider, at Rwamahwa stage arrived at his shop only to find it ransacked. Essential items taken include boxes of cooking oil, bags of rice, sugar, all bottles of alcohol, and groundnuts, along with cash totaling over UGX 4,000,000, leaving him in tears.
This incident is not isolated; it marks just one in a series of thefts plaguing Rwamahwa. Amos highlighted previous robberies, including the theft of a motorcycle from a neighbor named Kennedy and thefts at establishments like Dairy Milk and a local boutique. With these ongoing crimes, residents are increasingly uneasy, worried that the thieves are closely monitoring their movements.
In light of these troubling developments, Amos, along with other community members, is calling for urgent action from local authorities, specifically the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and police. They seek enhanced security measures, particularly as the Christmas season approaches—a time when thefts typically increase.
In a response to these concerns, Assistant RDC Muhoozi Dickens acknowledged the community’s efforts in maintaining security despite the challenges. He emphasized the importance of vigilance, especially with children on holiday, advising families to avoid leaving their homes unattended during social events. Dickens cautioned that thieves often take advantage of such situations, targeting livestock and other valuables.
The RDC’s office has assured residents of its commitment to bolster security measures during the festive season, aiming to restore confidence and safety in the community. With increasing vigilance and collaboration between residents and officials, there is hope for a safer Rwamahwa as the community strives to fend off these criminal threats.
