Residents in Mukono District have raised concerns over a disturbing pattern of gangs breaking into mosques and churches. Recent incidents include thefts at St Jude Catholic Church Nakisunga, Masjid Noor Mosque Nakisunga, and New Jerusalem Healing Centre, all located in Nakisunga Sub-county, Mukono District.
The Head of the Laity at St Jude Catholic Church Nakisunga, Mr. Tonny Mukasa Sserujja, expressed dismay over the incident at their church, where suspected armed gangs stole a newly-acquired public address system and other valuables valued at millions of shillings. He called for a thorough investigation into the matter and emphasized the need for police intervention to protect these sacred places.
According to residents, the suspected gang targets cash, sound systems, plastic chairs, and various other valuables within their reach after breaking into the premises. There are concerns that the gang may possess tools facilitating easy access to the targeted premises by damaging door locks.
Mr. Alysious Matovu, the chairperson of Namuyenje Village in Nakisunga Sub-county, attributed the rise in theft to the influx of people coming to work at various factories, who often go unnoticed by village authorities. Additionally, residents pointed to the frequent power outages in parts of Mukono during the night as contributing factors to the theft cases.
In response to the escalating issue, Mr. John Mpamga, the Speaker for Nakisunga Sub-county, suggested that places of worship hire security guards to protect their valuable property. The call for increased security measures comes amid growing concerns about the vulnerability of churches and mosques.
Mukono South MP, Mr. Fred Kayondo, urged the police and other security agencies to expedite the investigations and apprehend the culprits. Mr. Simon Peter Emuron, the officer-in-charge of Kyatume-Bukasa Police Station, addressed the community during a security meeting in Namuyenje Village. He requested the cooperation of residents, urging them to provide reliable information to aid investigators in cracking down on the gang responsible for the break-ins.
