Police: Easter holidays largely peaceful, daycare murder file sent to DPP

________________

The Easter festive season passed off largely peacefully across Uganda, with police reporting high public cooperation, successful religious events, and intensified security operations that led to arrests and recoveries across the country.

Addressing a press conference at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Tuesday (April 7), police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said the celebrations, which drew large crowds to churches and Easter processions, were conducted without major incidents.

“Uganda Police Force appreciates the cooperation shown by the public and the religious leaders throughout the Easter period,” Kituuma said, noting that Good Friday activities and Easter Sunday services were held smoothly nationwide.

He explained that police deliberately waited until after Easter Monday to issue a comprehensive security update, saying the holiday period was still ongoing until then.

Daycare murder case file complete

Kituuma revealed that investigations into the gruesome killing of four children at a daycare centre in Ggaba in Makindye Division last week have reached a critical stage, with the case file now complete and submitted for prosecution. Police arrested Christopher Okello as the prime suspect in the murder case.

Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma addressing a press conference at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Tuesday (April 7). (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“What I can brief you today is that our file, as we speak, is complete. We have done whatever is needed and have submitted it to the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal guidance,” he said.

“Our ultimate objective is to see that the victims get justice and that the perpetrator is held accountable,” he added.

Police also disclosed that fresh inquiries have been opened into allegations circulating on social media that the same suspect may have been involved in a similar incident in 2019.

“We came across a video of a lady alleging that the suspect committed a similar offence in 2019. Our CID teams are looking into the facts, and if there were any gaps, they will be addressed to ensure justice is served,” Kituuma said.

Operations, arrests and recoveries

During the festive period, police, working with sister security agencies, conducted intelligence-led and disruptive operations targeting criminal elements across various regions.

These operations resulted in several arrests and the recovery of exhibits, including stolen livestock.

In the Savannah Region, officers posing as buyers intercepted suspected cattle thieves and recovered animals believed to have been stolen. A suspect, identified as Charles Kyazze, was arrested in possession of two animals and a tipper truck.

Police warned that livestock theft tends to spike during festive seasons and urged the public to remain vigilant.

Kituuma also provided updates on the murder of a mobile money agent in Soroti, saying four suspects are now in custody.

He said the arrest of the first suspect led investigators to others, including a key suspect identified as Alfred Elacu, believed to have pulled the trigger.

A smartphone belonging to the victim was recovered and has been crucial in advancing investigations.

In Apac district, police are investigating an attack on students of Apac Seed Secondary School, where a group of about 15 assailants armed with crude weapons injured several learners.

Kituuma said six students were hospitalised following the attack, adding that intelligence teams are actively pursuing the suspects.

Police also heightened traffic enforcement operations during the holidays, targeting reckless and intoxicated drivers.

Kituuma said the Traffic Directorate carried out operations against drunk driving, commonly known as “Kawunyemu”, to reduce road crashes.

He cited a fatal crash in the Albertine South Region that claimed the life of the Kikuube district chairperson, adding that the suspect driver is still on the run.