Kiboko Squad chief speaks out
Jun 16, 2010
A 37-YEAR-OLD second-and clothes dealer has said he heads the Kiboko (stick) squad, notorious for caning rioters in the city without being restrained by the Police.
By Herbert Ssempogo
A 37-YEAR-OLD second-and clothes dealer has said he heads the Kiboko (stick) squad, notorious for caning rioters in the city without being restrained by the Police.
Juma Ssemakula a.k.a Backfire yesterday disclosed that when he is not disbanding demonstrators, he sells the items in St. Balikuddembe (Owino) market and on Nabugabo Road.
The father of four told The New Vision that his group comprises “patriotic†business people, who loathe chaos in Kampala.
“I was concerned about the endless riots in which we lose merchandise so, I mobilised colleagues to help fight the problem.â€
“Our driving force is the love for our country and a peaceful atmosphere in which to conduct business,†he said.
Ssemakula cited past demonstrations like that against the proposal to lease Mabira Forest as one of the reasons why the group was formed.
“You saw what happened in the city. Rioters raided shops, looted merchandise and attacked the Police. Politicians hire goons to cause trouble,†he stated.
Ssemakula, the self-appointed boss, insisted that they had no links with the Police or any other security agency as has been reported.
But he had earlier told Bukedde newspaper that the Police was aware of their activities, including helping apprehend mobile phone thieves.
He admitted that beating up people was wrong, but argued that the Constitution empowered them to defend themselves if their property or lives were in danger.
On the source of their ‘weapons’, he said they use sticks.
He also has a list of members and their phone numbers.
Before joining the clothes and shoe business, Ssemakula was a kick-boxing instructor. He imparts such skills to the youth, but did not disclose where.
Asked whether he did not fear for his life, that of his two wives and children, Ssemakula stated: “I am not scared because that is the price we have to pay in order to live peacefully.â€
The term Kiboko squad was formed after the men, dressed in civilian attire, were seen beating people in recent city riots. They also quelled some riots in the countryside.
After Ssemakula’s gang beat up opposition members last week in Kampala, the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, said he did not know them, adding that they were not part of the Police.
However, two days later, a man holding a stick was seen leading the Police on patrol in Kampala.
Kayihura was not available for comment about the investigation into the squad’s activities.
However, internal affairs minister Kirunda Kivenjinja was glad that Ssemakula had opened up, saying the group will soon be prosecuted.
He added that plans were underway to improve the Police’s capacity to control crowds.
A 37-YEAR-OLD second-and clothes dealer has said he heads the Kiboko (stick) squad, notorious for caning rioters in the city without being restrained by the Police.
Juma Ssemakula a.k.a Backfire yesterday disclosed that when he is not disbanding demonstrators, he sells the items in St. Balikuddembe (Owino) market and on Nabugabo Road.
The father of four told The New Vision that his group comprises “patriotic†business people, who loathe chaos in Kampala.
“I was concerned about the endless riots in which we lose merchandise so, I mobilised colleagues to help fight the problem.â€
“Our driving force is the love for our country and a peaceful atmosphere in which to conduct business,†he said.
Ssemakula cited past demonstrations like that against the proposal to lease Mabira Forest as one of the reasons why the group was formed.
“You saw what happened in the city. Rioters raided shops, looted merchandise and attacked the Police. Politicians hire goons to cause trouble,†he stated.
Ssemakula, the self-appointed boss, insisted that they had no links with the Police or any other security agency as has been reported.
But he had earlier told Bukedde newspaper that the Police was aware of their activities, including helping apprehend mobile phone thieves.
He admitted that beating up people was wrong, but argued that the Constitution empowered them to defend themselves if their property or lives were in danger.
On the source of their ‘weapons’, he said they use sticks.
He also has a list of members and their phone numbers.
Before joining the clothes and shoe business, Ssemakula was a kick-boxing instructor. He imparts such skills to the youth, but did not disclose where.
Asked whether he did not fear for his life, that of his two wives and children, Ssemakula stated: “I am not scared because that is the price we have to pay in order to live peacefully.â€
The term Kiboko squad was formed after the men, dressed in civilian attire, were seen beating people in recent city riots. They also quelled some riots in the countryside.
After Ssemakula’s gang beat up opposition members last week in Kampala, the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, said he did not know them, adding that they were not part of the Police.
However, two days later, a man holding a stick was seen leading the Police on patrol in Kampala.
Kayihura was not available for comment about the investigation into the squad’s activities.
However, internal affairs minister Kirunda Kivenjinja was glad that Ssemakula had opened up, saying the group will soon be prosecuted.
He added that plans were underway to improve the Police’s capacity to control crowds.