What Sobi’s death tells us of state’s criminal enterprise

Paddy Sserunjogi, the notorious gang leader known as ‘Sobi,’ who operated a criminal enterprise in the heart of Kampala, has met his end this week. Estimated to be close to 50 years old, Sobi’s demise occurred in Gomba district, more than 80 kilometers west of Kampala, reportedly at the hands of an angry mob embroiled in a land dispute.

According to a police statement, a group of 50 people armed with sticks, pangas, and spears attacked, resulting in Sobi’s death. The statement mentioned additional casualties, though their bodies were not recovered, only Sobi’s.

The news of Sobi’s death has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some expressing relief at the removal of a notorious figure, while others pitied a man whose influence seemed to have waned.

Sobi gained notoriety for his audacious crimes, often highlighted in chilling detail during national TV interviews. Despite public confessions of criminal activities, including kidnappings and killings, Sobi faced no arrest or charges, indicating a deep-state power protecting him.

In one interview, he brazenly declared, “We strangle people to death if there is anything we need from them.” His apparent impunity raised concerns about the state of law and order in Uganda.

Sobi’s bravado, even wearing a T-shirt with the words “Bazzukulu ba Museveni” (grandchildren of Museveni), showcased his perceived invincibility. However, his death serves as a reminder of the fragile and fleeting nature of state power.

Sobi, a leader of the Kifeesi criminal gang, engaged in various criminal activities, from breaking into cars and homes to kidnapping and killing for money. He operated with a group of ruthless individuals, terrorizing Kampala during the day and manning illegal roadblocks at night.

Despite his criminal activities, Sobi’s ties with state intelligence, particularly Kaka Bagyenda, allowed him to operate freely as long as he fulfilled certain off-book assignments. However, with a change in leadership at the Internal Security Organisation in October 2020, the fate of thugs like Sobi took a dark turn.

Similar to the mysterious death of another gang leader, Zebra Senyange (Mando), who worked for the state and was later gunned down, Sobi’s demise raises questions. No suspects have been arrested, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear. The apparent lack of accountability underscores the challenges in addressing organized crime and its complex connections to state entities.