Police in Masaka have arrested a former vice chairperson of Kiteredde Cell over allegations of distributing leaflets threatening to kill residents.
The suspect, identified as Laban Lubega, was arrested following a security meeting in Kisosso Cell, one of the areas named in the threatening leaflets as a possible target of attacks by unidentified individuals.
Police said residents who attended the meeting identified Lubega as a possible suspect, following his defeat in the recently concluded Local Council One elections, in which he contested for the chairperson’s position.
Greater Masaka Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye said Lubega is being held to assist with investigations.
Kasirye added that police will subject him to handwriting analysis to establish whether he was responsible for writing and distributing the threatening leaflets.
Lubega previously served as the vice chairperson of Kiteredde Cell before contesting for the LC1 chairperson’s position in the recent elections, which he lost.
Police and local authorities are investigating whether his election defeat could be connected to the threatening messages circulated in the area.
Mariam Kaberuka, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Kimaanya-Kabonera, said intelligence gathered by security agencies had linked Lubega’s election loss to the letters, which warned residents to remain indoors for fear of attacks.
Late last month, residents of Kisosso, Kiteredde and Kimwanyi were alarmed after discovering leaflets threatening to kill 10 people before the attackers moved on to neighbouring cells within the city.
Emmanuel Bwite, the LC1 chairperson of Kisosso Cell, said the messages created fear among residents, recalling a similar incident in 2021 when threatening messages were reportedly circulated before several people were later killed.
Bwite called on police to strengthen security in the area to reassure residents and prevent possible attacks.
Following the incident, residents have also decided to reactivate neighbourhood vigilante teams. The teams will conduct night patrols and monitor unfamiliar people found moving around the village, particularly those who are not residents.
Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities to security authorities as investigations into the threatening leaflets continue.
