28 pilgrims robbed, 15 arrested for theft at Namugongo Shrines
As pilgrims continue to flock the prestigious Namugongo shrine to celebrate fallen saints and seek miracles, other individuals as usual take advantage of the times to snoop around and steal from victims.
Latest information from the Kampala Metropolitan Police indicates that ahead of official Martyrs’ day celebrations, 28 cases of theft were reported by Thursday evening at both the Catholic and Anglican Martyrs’ shrines.
Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson 13 of the 28 cases are phone thefts, 11 general theft, 1 malicious damage, and 1 intoxication case.
Onyango explains that 14 out of the 15 suspects arrested were nabbed at the Catholic shrine. He says the goons were netted by officers in civilian wear while pick pocketing from victims.
28 pilgrims robbed, 15 arrested for theft at Namugongo Shrines
Onyango further explains that police has beefed up surveillance to match anticipated criminal activities.
“We always expect cases of wrong people coming to take advantage of such big numbers. We have now increased intelligence teams in and outside both venues. We warn those who have come with bad intentions to know we are ready for them,” says Onyango.
Commanders of police and military intelligence, violent crimes units, counter terrorism units, and riot and operations units are all present at the venue.
Security officers are heavily deployed at both the main and access routes in Namugongo and neighboring areas including Kireka, Naalya, Misindye, Sonde, Kira, and Bweyogerere among others.
Military and police patrol vehicles have been deployed at strategic points while others are patrolling major and access routes. All major and temporary entrance and exit points at Namugongo catholic shrines have been opened.
28 pilgrims robbed, 15 arrested for theft at Namugongo Shrines
