Gomba, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Paddy Sserunjogi, the self-confessed criminal and former leader of the notorious Kifeesi gang that once instilled fear among Kampala residents, met his demise on December 18, 2023, in Maddu Gomba. Sserunjogi, commonly known as Sobi, had recently asserted a conversion and enjoyed state protection, but his criminal past caught up with him during an attempt to unlawfully displace locals on behalf of an alleged affluent land grabber.
Details surrounding Sobi’s death remained sparse as of Monday evening. However, a security source verified that Sobi met his end during the unlawful eviction when residents overwhelmed his gang, resulting in the death of four other gang members.
The Territorial Police of Gomba, in conjunction with Katonga Regional Police, initiated an investigation into the murder that transpired in Kibaale village, Kigumba parish, Maddu subcounty, Gomba district, on December 18, 2023.
SP Majid Karim, the spokesperson of Katonga Regional Police, confirmed the fatality, identifying the deceased as Paddy Sserunjogi, aka Sobi. Sserunjogi gained notoriety in 2017 when he openly admitted to leading the feared Kifeesi gang.
Previously a target of the police, Sobi had received protection from former Internal Security Organisation head Col. (rtd) Frank Kaka Bagyenda. This shelter, provided in Kyengera, shielded him from arrest attempts by then-Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura. Sobi collaborated with ISO, alleging information on high-ranking police officials involved with criminal elements in Kampala.
In 2020, Bagyenda’s removal as ISO boss by President Yoweri Museveni, appointing Maj. Charles Oluka as his successor, resulted in Sobi’s return to the streets. Oluka, aiming to cleanse ISO, expelled opportunistic individuals recruited by Bagyenda, leaving Sobi to operate as a freelance mercenary.
Sobi’s influence was noteworthy, with detainees from the Kaka era claiming he commanded the safe house operated by Bagyenda on Lwamayuba Island. In a 2021 media interview, Sobi disclosed that he adopted the moniker “Sobi” from the movie “Escape from Sobibor.”
The Territorial Police of Gomba, in collaboration with the Katonga Regional Police, has commenced an investigation into a murder that occurred today, December 18, 2023, in Kibaale village, Kigumba parish, Maddu subcounty, Gomba district. The incident resulted in the death of one… pic.twitter.com/e5O2qpFgXt
— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) December 18, 2023
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