Police in Kira are holding 34 suspects netted for various crimes at Namugongo shrines during the Martyrs Day celebrations.
Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, confirmed the arrest of the suspects at Kira Division Police Station. 36 cases (35 theft ).
The thugs are accused of stealing items from unsuspecting pilgrims, one of stealing from a motor vehicle and one of indecent assault at Anglican Shrine and at the Catholic shrine,
“At the Catholic shrine, we have registered 36 cases (35 thefts and one of issuing counterfeit currency. We have arrested 34 suspects and they are detained at Kira Division Police Station as investigations continue,” he said.
Police and other security agencies have come out to thank the pilgrims for following the security guidelines and being peaceful.
The Martyr’s day has been known as a crowd-pulling event with thousands of faithful trekking from all walks of life to pay homage to 45 Christian converts (22 Catholics and 23 Protestants) that were killed between 1885 and 1886 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II.
Fort Portal Diocese, which last animated the martyr’s day celebration 25 years ago led today’s event, under the theme, “Baptized and sent to witness Christ with love and hope”.
