Police in Kampala have arrested eight suspects over a viral social media video in which a group of men allegedly boast about attacking members of the public and threatening medical practitioners.
The suspects were arrested on September 8 during an intelligence-led operation at Gojo Gym in Namungona, Lubya Parish, Rubaga Division, Kampala District, according to police.
Police said four of the eight suspects are allegedly visible in the video, in which about six individuals are seen praising themselves for carrying out violent attacks.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspects allegedly claim to have attacked several people, leaving some with broken jaws and teeth. They are also accused of demanding a share of money earned by dentists treating victims of the alleged assaults and threatening medical practitioners who refuse to comply.
Police identified the suspects as Matiti Mohammed, also known as “Beast-Commander”; Nurudin Kasule, alias “2 I/C”; Umar Mubiru; Lukooya Adams; Kiyimba Martin; Alinda Yosam Junior; Walumu James; and Elvis Simanya.
Investigators suspect the group used the gym, ostensibly as a boxing training facility, as a meeting point for individuals involved in violent criminal activities.
Police said the preliminary inquiry has linked the suspects to alleged offences including robbery, housebreaking, theft, phone snatching, use of deadly weapons and unlawful possession of narcotic substances.
The last four suspects were reportedly found at the gym during the operation, with some allegedly found in possession of suspected narcotic substances.
The eight suspects remain in police custody pending court proceedings.
Police said investigations are continuing to identify and arrest other individuals allegedly appearing in the viral video and determine their possible involvement in the reported attacks.
Authorities have also appealed to members of the public with information about the suspects or possible victims to come forward and assist investigators.
The arrests come amid growing concern over the use of social media to circulate videos depicting or glorifying violence, with police seeking to establish whether the claims made in the video correspond to actual criminal incidents.
