KAMPALA/WAKISO – Chinese investors and their businesses have continued to suffer attacks by gun and machete-wielding men despite police launching an operation to protect them, PML Daily has learnt.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Brig Sabiiti Muzeeyi, on November 16, launched an operation codenamed ‘Tokoora’ that is aimed at tightening security around factories and industries, especially those owned by foreigners, following an upsurge in attacks on the establishments by armed robbers.
Brig Muzeeyi said no suspects arrested in connection to any attack on such establishments should be granted bail.
However, this website has learnt that hardly a month after the operation was launched, more Chinese businessmen have suffered attacks.
On Sunday night, a Chinese firm in Nakasero, Kampala city suburb, was robbed and a security guard beaten to near coma.
“I don’t know what to do. I am very scared because even when they have provided security, we are still being attacked,” said Mr Yu Jing Shu, the director of the company.
On the same night, Mr Zhong Pacai, a fish dealer, was intercepted by armed men along Entebbe Expressway, severely beaten and his car taken as he transported his fish to Entebbe. His vehicle was later recovered in Buloba, Wakiso District.
When contacted, police spokesman Emilian Kayima said two suspects have been arrested on the fish dealer’s case. However, he assured the investors that they are safe and will be protected.
President Museveni on Wednesday, November 14, directed the Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi and the Inspector General of Police Martins Okoth Ochola to heavily deploy in industrial parks and also set up joint coordination councils between the investors and security forces.
He also asked security chiefs to find a localized and non-political solution for these security concerns of investors.
“In the meantime, I assure Ugandans, our friends and investors that this shallow issue of urban crime is only temporary and will be defeated since in addition to these measures,” he wrote on Oppenheimer adding that “we are beefing up our surveillance capacity with cameras.”
He was meeting the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Zheng ZhuQiang, who called on him at State House Entebbe.
Mr Museveni said the duo discussed key among others, recent attacks on investors threatening messages sent out to them.
“I reiterated the commitment of government and myself to defeat these thugs that are trying to undermine our economic progress,” he further said.
The envoy had expressed concern over recent attacks by thugs on Chinese investors.
“Some thugs have been attacking Chinese investors but we shall defeat them. This is temporary, shallow and shall be defeated. There were attacks in Mukono and Mityana; one experienced by the Gayaza Road construction company and the recent one in Zirobwe,” Museveni told his guest.
“The security of Uganda is very good but urban insurgency was not paid attention to. Tell the Government of China that I am personally handling this issue.”
