Recent gruesome killings in Masaka City, particularly in the Nyendo-Mukungwe and Kimanya-Kabonero Divisions, have heightened security concerns among residents. The victims include Birungi Nabadda, 35, and David Gyabi, a boda boda cyclist, both brutally murdered by unidentified assailants in separate incidents. Nabadda was reportedly raped before being killed using sharp objects near Misaali Catholic Church in Nyendo–Mukungwe Division. The circumstances surrounding Gyabi’s death involve being hired to transport individuals to Kyabakuza, where he was fatally attacked with a hammer.
Residents attribute the surge in criminal activities over the past two months to inadequate police patrols, allowing criminals to exploit the absence of law enforcement during late-night hours. Some emphasize the need for enhanced security measures, pointing out areas where criminals frequently target people returning home. Concerns also arise regarding the release of arrested individuals on police bonds or various legal grounds, contributing to the persistence of criminal threats in the community.
Masaka’s law enforcement authorities are investigating the recent killings and urging residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with ongoing security efforts. Plans for establishing a police post in Misaali Village are in progress to address the security challenges in the area.
The incidents revive memories of Masaka Sub-region’s history of mysterious deaths, often attributed to machete-wielding thugs. Between 2017 and 2018, the region experienced a wave of murders and robberies. The recent killings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and security of Masaka City residents.


