17 'Kifeesi' criminal gangs charged in court

A total of 17 people, suspected to be members of 'Kifeesi' a notorious criminal gang known for terrorizing Kampala and Wakiso residents face charges in the Luzira Magistrate's Court.

The accused were on Friday arraigned in court, charged with robbery and remanded to Luzira Prison by Grade One Magistrate Agnes Napiyo.

The accused were remanded until April 26 (Tuesday) when they are expected to re-appear in court for mention of their case.

Appearing before the magistrate, the accused denied all the charges which were read to them, saying they did not commit the offence. The court heard that investigations into the matters are still on going.

Some of the suspects include Alice Nakito, 22, Jesica Nalukuma, 21, Jane Nakasamba, 19, Esther Namali, 23, Lawrence Kateregga and Moses Mubi. The accused are residents of Naguru, Kawempe, Busabala, Bwaise and Nsambya, Naguru, Kawempe, Bwaise, Nakulabye, Wandegeya, Kisenyi, Natete, Kajjansi, Zzana and Namasuba.

According to police, the accused use children aged between 13 and 18 years who usually grab women's handbags and necklaces. The gang has since been involved in armed robberies and murder cases also registered against them.

Meanwhile, twenty two other 'Kifeesi' suspects who were arraigned before Nsangi Chief Magistrates Court were not charged because the magistrate was absent. This prompted the police to return the suspects to Katwe Police Station where they are detained until Monday.

"Those who were not charged will be returned to court on Monday to answer charges of robbery. 21 were also screened, and cautioned," the officer in charge of Katwe police Station Hassan Masooba disclosed.