By Gertrude Mutyaba
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have launched investigations into the source of life-threatening leaflets circulating in the Masaka, Kyotera, and Bukomansimbi districts.
These leaflets follow a series of similar incidents in the greater Masaka region preceding attacks by machete-wielding assailants between 2018 and 2021, which resulted in numerous deaths. Former Kawempe North MP, the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, and Makindye East MP, Allan Ssewanyana, were detained for over 17 months in connection with these murders.
Residents report growing fear after discovering the latest threatening leaflets in their communities.
Mr. Musa Matovu, a resident of Bukomansimbi, recounted losing ten people in his area during the 2018 machete attacks. He believes the leaflets distributed before those attacks foreshadowed the violence.
Ms. Lukia Nalubega, a resident of Kyabagoma, urged security personnel to take the leaflets seriously.
Mr. Michael Nsubuga, a resident of Masaka, called on communities to strengthen neighborhood watch programs as a means of combating such threats.
The leaflets warn of organized attacks between February 6 and February 24, 2025, targeting villages including Kasaana, Buchulo, Kisuuna, Butale, Nakatooke, Kirowooza Catholic Parish, Kikungwe, and others.
The authors of the leaflets claim to operate under the command of high-ranking army officers, including Brig. Deus Ssande, commander of the Kasijjagirwa Armoured Brigade, and Col. Hassan Ssamba, head of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) in the Greater Masaka region.
“Ffe abebijambiya abaddumirwa Afande Kasamba Kakono ne Afande Brigediya Ssande eno ye oulogulamu yafe eyokutema ebijambiya,” the leaflet, typed in Luganda language reads in part.
Translation: “We are the machete-wielding men being commanded by Afande Kasamba Kakono and Brig. Ssande. This is our machete operation program.”
UPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye responded by warning those responsible for the leaflets that they will face legal consequences if identified.
“I have been told about people who are threatening Ugandans about cutting them. We are here for you and definitely, we are going to protect the people. Anybody who attempts like they tried previously, we shall apprehend them and punish them as the law requires,” Kulayigye said.
Speaking in Bukomansimbi during the commissioning of a classroom block at St. Matia Mulumba Primary School, Budda, Kulayigye strongly denied the involvement of UPDF officers in the leaflet distribution and assured residents of their safety, emphasizing that the forces are on high alert. He reminded potential attackers of the UPDF’s response to the 2021 attacks.
