Several NGOs are running campaigns against defilement that is increasing on an alarming rate.

By Joseph Kato

Kampala- Crime is on the rise in and around Kampala with defilement, murder and rape topping the list, police statistics for the last six months have revealed.

Records obtained from the Central Police Station (CPS) indicate that more than 190 girls have been defiled, 37 girls and women raped and 96 people have been murdered in Kampala and the districts of Mukono and Wakiso.

Mr Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, said robbery, relationship conflicts and land wrangles are the major causes of murder.

“We have arrested a good number of suspects. Some have been sentenced or remanded to different police cells whereas others are still answering charges in courts of law,” he told Daily Monitor yesterday.

He cautioned parents against letting children walk alone in the night and dark spots.

Citing an example of Lugogo by pass where police have put a booth after the area becoming a murder spot, Mr Onyango said they have intensified foot and car patrols to arrest perpetrators, adding that they have increased the number of police posts and booths.

“We also urge people to report to police whenever they get land disputes, love conflicts and be security conscious in their communities and environment,” said Mr Onyango.

On April 29, police, in Kampala recovered the body of a 14-year-old Rehema Nassali dumped on Yusuf Lule road. She was a pupil at Buganda Road Primary school and was suspected to have been raped before she was murdered by unknown assailants.

Nassali used to vend bananas after classes on Yusuf Lule road where she met her death. The public put the blame on lack of security lights on the road, giving room for criminals to attack innocent citizens.

Last month, Beatrice Mudondo, a student at Makerere University Business School was found lying dead on her back with knickers pulled down and skirt pulled up. She is suspected to have been raped and murdered.

In March, Ms Joan Kagezi, a senior principal state attorney, who was handling the 2010 twin bombing case, was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Kiwatule, Kampala, as she headed back home. Police are yet to track down the killers.

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