Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, commander of the Fourth Infantry Division says the army cannot fully control the growing criminal gang network in Gulu City, citing a “vicious circle” in the justice system that often sees suspects quickly returned to the streets.

Gen. Busizoori says that although Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers have been supporting police through joint night patrols and arrests, their efforts are often frustrated when suspects are released shortly after being charged.

The commander’s remarks follow recent retaliatory attacks carried out by suspected criminal gangs along Cemetery Road in the Laroo-Pece Division.

The violence erupted after one of the gang members was allegedly stabbed to death by a chapati vendor in the early hours of Sunday morning.

In retaliation, the gang reportedly injured two people, set ablaze four shops, and destroyed chapati stalls belonging to members of the non-Acholi community, heightening tensions in the city.

Gen. Busizoori dismisses suggestions that the army is informally working with some of the gang members as informants, calling such claims “a lie.”

By URN