The well-known criminal gang leader in Jinja City and the neighbouring areas, Sharif Musasizi, commonly known as Diego, 28, has been taken into custody by Kiira region police.
Musasizi was captured during a nighttime operation headed by intelligence officers from his hiding place in Budhumbuli westward, Bugembe ward, Northern division.
Musasizi is charged with organizing illegal operations on behalf of wanted gang leaders, including Sam Foster, Dindondi, Hazard, and Assassin, who have been on the police’s wanted list for the last 12 months.
He had left Jinja City between December 2022 and April 2023 while police were pursuing individuals brandishing machetes.
But he would often return to host grassroots gatherings for other ardent criminals, organizing their remaining members to reorganize.
These gangs, which were primarily made up of young boys between the ages of 10 and 16, would operate in the shadows in the Bugembe and Walukuba neighbourhoods, robbing people or breaking into homes.
Musasizi had a reputation for renting homes in peaceful neighbourhoods and eluding territorial protection to interact with criminal organizations and plot robberies.
Along with other gang leaders, he would organize the gathering, sorting, and selling of stolen goods to antique dealers in Jinja City or the Buikwe district.
The bosses of criminal gangs bribed Musasizi to serve as their focal point.
Musasizi then gave 20,000 Shillings to each of the 30 accused thieves who were sent to steal goods from their victims in Jinja City.
Musasizi’s arrest, according to Lydia Karemera, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner of the Northern Division, came after two months of investigating young offenders involved in pickpocketing, serious robberies, and home invasions.
The pilfered goods were left behind in several locations around Bugembe.
According to Karemera, Musasizi had tricked young people into participating in his illegal operations by using his prior football experience with a local Jinja City club.
He lured them into illegal activities while promising them an opportunity to advance in their athletic careers.
Abetting criminal activity and aggravated robbery are the two charges Musasizi is currently facing.
While awaiting prosecution, he is being held in the Jinja Central Police Station.
