The freedom to run businesses in Soroti City, in the East Kyoga region, is once again being threatened by the regrouping of criminals targeting mobile money operators and supermarkets, creating panic among the people of Soroti City.
Soroti City was once a feared area with a high level of crime, including cattle theft, attacks on mobile money operators, break-ins at supermarkets, rape of women and children, and massive theft of motorcycles. These criminal activities even extended to Serere District, where several women and girls were brutally killed. However, this situation was brought under control when Nasucha Damali was appointed Regional Police Commander (RPC) for East Kyoga.
Upon her appointment, she immediately convened an emergency regional meeting with all stakeholders and developed a strategy to combat criminality.
Her approach worked very well and restored sanity in Soroti City. Businesses and shops that previously closed by 6:00 pm began operating late into the night without fear of theft.
Outskirt streets that residents could not access past 8:00 pm became safe and accessible even during late hours.
The routine night and morning operations system established by former RPC Damali in East Kyoga gave criminals no opportunity to rob or harm people in the city. In fact, many former criminals reportedly abandoned crime altogether.
However, the day news of her transfer reached Soroti, criminals reportedly celebrated.
Within a week after Ms Damali handed over office, two shops were broken into and 10 motorcycles were stolen. Recently, a mobile money operator was attacked and killed in the early morning hours as she was heading to Ocorimongin Market in Katakwi District.
The Friday incident occurred as Christians were observing the Way of the Cross. The assailants reportedly pulled the deceased from a taxi she had boarded en route to Katakwi.
This demonstrates the resurgence of criminal activity in Soroti and highlights the need for the return of the effective approach previously implemented by former RPC Damali.
I am writing this without bias. I sincerely appeal to the IGP and the entire police leadership to consider redeploying Madam Damali to Soroti. Residents are once again living in fear.
The writer is a senior veteran journalist.
