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Petrol bombs hurled at Katwe police, gov’t vehicles

Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed incidents.

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A joint security team is searching for men who have continuously hurled petrol bombs at both government and private vehicles.

Last night, petrol bombs were reportedly thrown at Katwe police station by unknown individuals and later at two government vehicles.

The Katwe incident according to deputy Kampala metropolitan police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire happened during the 7pm hour when unknown individuals threw petrol bombs perhaps intending to set the station on fire but it was contained before it spread.

Since petrol bomb incidents have become synonymous, a joint security team of covert and overt personnel of military, police and crime intelligence have embarked on tracking the group behind the crime.

Owoyesigyire said that they identified the damaged government vehicles by petrol bombs thrown at Nakulabye in Lubaga division and Amamu House parking along George street in the central business district as a Pajero UG O587J, and Isuzu Pick Up 334C.

The fire at Amamu house spread to other two vehicles before it was contained. These other burnt cars have been identified as Land Cruiser UAY 272Y, and Pajero UAL 108J. The Isuzu Pick Up was being driven by former Jinja RDC Eric Sakwa.

“The fire and rescue services managed to respond very fast to put the flames out before they could cause more damage. In both incidents, no injuries or deaths were registered. We have embarked on establishing whether this is a pattern of organized crime or it is a campaign that is coordinated to purposely disrupt the swearing in ceremony,” said Owoyesigyire.

Petrol bomb incidents have mostly happened on roads where there is traffic congestion. In the last seven days, petrol bombs have been hurled at drivers in Nakulabye, Wakaliga, Ntinda and Nateete by masked men on motorcycles who ride off after throwing the explosives.

“Our joint task teams are following up on certain intelligence leads that will help us identify the suspects for arrest and prosecution,” Owoyesigyire added.

Police have reminded passengers using motorcycles that curfew is 6pm while drivers have been urged to maintain the 9pm curfew. Police and military personnel have been briefed at all levels to enforce the curfew time.

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