Mukono LCs Raise Alarm Over Murders, Intimidation by Suspected Criminals

What the report says

Local Council chairpersons in Nama Sub-County, Mukono District, have warned that suspected criminals and alleged political intimidation are making it harder for residents to report crime. According to Nile Post, the leaders told police that some people accused of criminal activity claim to have connections in government, which they say discourages cooperation with investigations and community operations.

The concerns were raised during a security meeting with Kampala Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner of Police Emitu Ebapu. The chairpersons said the atmosphere of fear has weakened grassroots leadership and made it difficult to gather information that could help prevent crime. They also linked the alarm to reports of rising murder cases in the area.

ACP Ebapu urged local leaders to take a more active role in community security, saying police cannot combat crime alone. He said Local Council leaders are important partners because they understand their communities, and he noted that some may need more training in security procedures and intelligence handling. Police said they plan to introduce training to improve cooperation and strengthen community policing.

The meeting also touched on wider security concerns, including allegations that some police officers demand money from the public, which Ebapu rejected. Local leaders asked for more patrol support, police dogs and CCTV cameras, while police said those requests would be considered as part of efforts to improve security coverage in Nama Sub-County.