Unsolved: Killings by Motorcycle Hitmen and Serial Murders of Women in Uganda.

Abstract

A wave of unexplained and puzzling killings have occurred in Uganda since 2012, execution-style ride-by shootings and serial murders of women leaving a large part of the population in fear, and speculating as to the reasons for such acts as well as the individuals behind them. The shootings initially targeted a section of Moslem leaders, however, from March 2015 the attacks escalated to include senior government officials. This escalation coincided with the initial reports of the capture of Jamil Mukulu, the leader of the Allied Democratic Force (ADF), in Tanzania. A separate phenomenon, the murder by strangulation of over 20 women in Nansaana and Entebbe seems concomitant with the existence of one or more serial killers. This paper analyses the mysterious nature of these killings by attempting to locate them in their historical and socio-political contexts. It provides a brief historical account of the numerous killings that have occurred between 2012 – 2018, while systemically attempting to dichotomize the killings based on their nature, victims targeted, the manner of the killings and trying to identify the possible perpetrators. Through a human rights prism, the issue of the right to life and arbitrary deprivation of life is discussed in the context of Uganda with a layout of the pertinent legal framework. In attempting to answer the question, “Who is behind these killings?”, the paper evaluates the possible existence of rogue elements in government, terrorist sleeper cells, criminal elements, and serial killers. The paper concludes by looking in depth at possible methodologies that could be harnessed to address the issue by Law Enforcement, and evaluating the proposals put forth by Uganda’s security outfit to improve public safety.