Suspected car robber lynched in Luwero

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A suspected notorious car robber has been killed by a mob in Luwero district.

Henry Sekindu, a 38-year-old resident of Gulama village, was reportedly intercepted and burnt to death by a mob after an alarm was raised about an ongoing theft.

Sam Twiineamazima, the Savannah region public relations officer, said the incident of mob justice occurred in Nkonge village, Tweyanze parish, Katikamu sub-county, Luwero.

“According to eyewitnesses, the deceased was found by a large crowd while driving a white Toyota Premio vehicle, registration UBD 290M, which was reported stolen from Kasana," he said.

"It was established that Sekindu had been tracked from Kakoola village, Bamunanika sub-county, following allegations of cattle theft. The deceased was known to be a notorious thief with several pending court cases related to vehicle and cattle theft across Luwero district. Both the victim and the vehicle were burnt beyond recognition at the scene."

Twiineamazima explained that Police promptly registered the case of murder and malicious damage and conducted investigations, including recording witness statements and visiting the crime scene.

“The remains of the deceased were taken to Luwero Hospital, Kasana. The Police urge the public to respect due legal processes and refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” he said.

Animal theft has been severe and persisted in the greater Luwero region, which includes the districts of Luwero, Nakasongola, and Nakaseke.

In December 2024, Police said a month-long police operation aimed at curbing rampant animal theft in the Savannah region had yielded remarkable results.

The operations targeted cattle rustlers and their networks, leading to the arrest of dozens of suspects and the recovery of hundreds of stolen animals.

A total of 352 animals were recovered, and at least 54 suspects were arrested. Or these, 40 were taken to court and charged.

Police said the operation uncovered alarming criminal tactics used by cattle rustlers.

 Investigators revealed the use of forged veterinary documents and fake vehicle license plates to transport stolen livestock. In some instances, suspects resorted to transporting animals in saloon cars, either as live cargo crammed in back seats or slaughtered and disguised as beef.

“The sophistication of these operations highlights the organised nature of cattle theft rings. Our teams remain vigilant in disrupting these networks and ensuring justice for affected communities," said Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma.

Despite the success, the Police identified key challenges hindering their efforts, for instance, victims opting for compensation. Many victims prefer to seek monetary compensation rather than pursue legal action, allowing habitual offenders to evade custodial sentences.

There was also delayed reporting. Thefts often go unnoticed for extended periods, particularly in cases where farm owners live far from grazing areas or where animals graze on unfenced land.

Police also noted the issue of repeat offenders and that criminals frequently benefited from bail or short sentences, enabling them to resume their illegal activities.