By Karim Were
KAMPALA — Residents in Makindye Division, Kampala, say they are increasingly concerned about violent robberies and attacks, particularly during the evening hours, amid renewed attention to security in the area following the death of former Villa football captain David Owori.
Owori was reportedly attacked and robbed of his belongings in Makindye before sustaining serious injuries. He later died from the injuries.
The case has heightened concerns among residents and renewed calls for stronger security measures in communities where people say they have become increasingly cautious about moving after dark.
The concerns come as investigations into Owori’s death continue, with four people accused of participating in the killing recently appearing before court and being remanded to Luzira Prison.
Their remand follows investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack that left the former footballer critically injured.
The accused persons remain suspects, and their guilt has not been established by the court.
#Residents speak out
During a visit to some communities in Makindye, residents described an environment in which evening movement has increasingly become a source of anxiety.
Some residents said they now prefer to return home before it gets late, while others said they take additional precautions when travelling through areas they consider vulnerable.
Residents’ accounts point to concerns over attacks targeting pedestrians and other people moving through the communities.
However, individual accounts of crime do not by themselves establish the overall level of crime across the entire division. Official police statistics would be required to determine whether violent robbery has increased and by how much.
The concerns nevertheless demonstrate the impact that high-profile incidents can have on public perceptions of safety.
#Owori’s death raises concern
The death of Owori has become one of the cases contributing to the renewed security concerns in the area.
The former Villa captain was reportedly attacked, robbed and severely beaten before later dying from the injuries he sustained.
His death shocked members of the football fraternity and drew attention to security concerns in the community where the attack occurred.
The subsequent arrest and charging of four suspects have provided a new development in the case, although investigations remain ongoing.
The suspects were charged and remanded to Luzira Prison as police continue gathering evidence.
As the judicial process progresses, the court will determine the facts of the case based on the evidence presented by the prosecution.
#Evening hours a major concern
Residents say the period after sunset is particularly worrying.
Some people told our reporter that they have become more reluctant to walk long distances in the evening, especially in areas where there are fewer people or limited lighting.
For traders and workers whose activities require them to remain outside until late, the concerns present an additional challenge.
Residents say they would like security agencies and local authorities to strengthen patrols and improve measures that can discourage criminals from targeting members of the public.
Better lighting, community vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activity are among the measures residents commonly associate with improving neighbourhood security.
#Impact on communities
Persistent fears of robbery can affect more than the immediate victims of crime.
When residents feel unsafe, they may reduce evening activities, alter their travel patterns or avoid certain areas altogether.
Businesses can also be affected if customers become reluctant to move around after dark.
For communities in a busy urban division such as Makindye, maintaining public confidence in security is therefore important not only for residents but also for local economic activity.
The concerns raised by residents also underline the importance of distinguishing between perceptions of insecurity and verified crime trends.
#Need for community cooperation
Security experts and authorities have often emphasised the importance of cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies in combating urban crime.
Residents can play a role by reporting suspicious activities, preserving information that may assist investigations and avoiding actions that could put them at unnecessary risk.
At the same time, effective policing requires timely response, intelligence gathering and investigations capable of bringing offenders before the courts.
Community leaders can also help by encouraging residents to share information through appropriate channels rather than relying on rumours or unverified social media reports.
#Police investigation continues
The investigation into Owori’s death remains particularly significant because of the public interest surrounding the case.
The four suspects who have been charged will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations through the judicial process.
Their arrest and remand should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt.
Investigators will be expected to establish what happened before, during and after the attack and determine the respective roles, if any, of those accused.
Evidence presented in court will ultimately determine the outcome of the case.
#Broader security concerns
Makindye is a densely populated part of Kampala with residential neighbourhoods, businesses and significant movement of people.
Like other urban communities, it faces a range of security challenges, including theft and robbery.
The recent attention surrounding Owori’s death has, however, brought the issue of violent crime to the forefront of conversations among residents.
The challenge for authorities is to address genuine security concerns while ensuring that public discussion is based on verified information rather than fear or speculation.
#Residents want reassurance
For residents, the immediate concern is safety.
Many say they want to see increased visibility of security personnel, improved street lighting and faster responses when crimes are reported.
They also want investigations into serious attacks to be concluded promptly so that those found responsible can face justice.
At the same time, residents have a responsibility to cooperate with security agencies and avoid spreading unverified claims that could interfere with investigations or unfairly implicate innocent people.
#Conclusion
The concerns emerging from Makindye highlight the delicate relationship between crime, public confidence and community safety.
The death of former Villa captain David Owori has placed renewed focus on violent crime in the division, while the charging of four suspects has moved the case into the judicial process.
As investigations continue, residents say they want stronger security measures, particularly during evening hours.
For authorities, the task will be to address those concerns through effective policing, credible investigations and closer engagement with communities.
For residents, vigilance, timely reporting and cooperation with law enforcement remain important in helping make Makindye safer.
**Source:🇺🇬 Be Blessed
