Crime Wave Leaves Kanoni Residents Living in Fear as Break-ins Escalate

What the report says

Nile Post reports that residents and local leaders in Kanoni Town Council, Gomba District, are urging security agencies to respond to what they describe as a worsening crime wave. According to the report, the community says burglaries, robberies and motorcycle thefts have increased over the past three months, with some intruders allegedly entering homes at night while occupants are sleeping.

The reported incidents include break-ins at electronics shops, supermarkets, clothing outlets and other businesses, as well as attacks on people returning home late. Residents told Nile Post that women have had handbags stolen and several boda boda riders have lost motorcycles. They also claim cases have been reported to police and local leaders, but that arrests have not followed and security has not visibly improved.

Nile Post cites residents including David Semuleme of Muyenga-Kyaziiza, who said he found a stranger inside his home at around 3 a.m. after noticing cold air and discovering the door open. Local leaders Hassan Mugabi, the Kanoni Town Council youth councillor, and community leader John Katwere blamed weak local leadership and poor follow-up by security agencies, arguing that residents have not been sufficiently mobilised for neighbourhood vigilance.

The concerns are significant because Kanoni is described as Gomba District’s main commercial centre, hosting key district security offices and attracting more residents and businesses as it grows. Residents are asking district security officials to act quickly, including through stronger community security meetings and, if necessary, deployment of additional security personnel to restore confidence.