Gomba mob ends gangster Sobi’s life

Paddy Sserunjogi, commonly known as Sobi and a self-confessed gangster, met a tragic end on Monday afternoon in Kibaale village, Kigumba parish, Maddu sub-county, Gomba district.

Residents reportedly attacked and hacked him to death, accusing him of attempting to seize their land. Katonga regional police spokesperson Majid Karim noted the challenges in obtaining accurate details about the incident.

While unconfirmed reports hinted at multiple casualties, only Sobi’s death was officially confirmed. The altercation stemmed from a conflict where Sobi’s gang allegedly destroyed crops belonging to locals.

“Preliminary findings suggest that around 12:30 pm [Monday], on land belonging to Kalisa in Kibaale village, Kigumba parish, Maddu sub-county, Gomba district, a group of 50 people armed with sticks, pangas, and spears attacked another group, resulting in the death of one person,” Karim said.

The dispute revolved around land owned by Kalisa, purchased in 2007 for Shs 100 million, with an outstanding balance of Shs 80 million left unpaid by Kalisa after the demise of the seller, Paul Kibi. Allegedly hired by Kalisa to protect the disputed land, Sobi’s group destroyed crops, sparking tension with Kibi’s children, Deborah Nagadiya and Bartin Kiwewa, who presented a legitimate title deed that Kalisa had not settled the balance for.

“Legal proceedings were initiated, but before the case could be resolved, the second group brought individuals from Kampala Kisenyi to occupy and clear the land. During Monday’s clash, various items, including food, utensils, and structures, were destroyed,” Karim said.

Sobi’s body is undergoing a postmortem at Gomba hospital mortuary. Others in Sobi’s gang who sustained severe injuries include Gerald Katumba, Andrew Mateka, and Dela Aliyu.

Sobi’s Self-Confession

Sobi, previously associated with criminal activities and the infamous Kifeesi gang terrorizing Kampala, made a shocking confession in 2017, admitting his involvement in numerous crimes. Despite claims of transitioning into a police informant during Gen Edward Kale Kayihura’s tenure as Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sobi continued his controversial activities, allegedly commanding ‘safe houses’ in Kyengera in Wakiso, and Kalangala district and being hired for land-grabbing missions.

Former informant Alex Odwori, subjected to inhumane treatment at Kalangala islands under Sobi’s command, petitioned parliament and President Museveni seeking intervention, asserting that many people were ‘rotting incommunicado.’

Sobi’s actions contributed to the fight between Kayihura and then-Security minister Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde, with the latter accusing the former of knowing and protecting gangs terrorizing Ugandans.

Even after Museveni dropped Kayihura, Sobi did not relent. Instead, he immersed himself in hired land-grabbing operations where he allegedly threatened resident district commissioners (RDCs), district police commanders (DPCs), and OC stations.