Residents of Mbeya Island in Mukono District, Uganda, have protested the release on bail of Jackson Ssebitosi, also known as "Big Pig," whom they accuse of involvement in a series of violent crimes on the island. Ssebitosi was recently arrested on a court order after allegedly failing to attend court proceedings in a case in which he is jointly charged with Yasin Kasirye and others with attempted murder and robbery.
Ssebitosi was released from Kauga Prison on Thursday on bail pending the hearing of the case on October 7, 2026, before the Chief Magistrate's Court in Mukono. His release has sparked protests on Mbeya Island, with residents expressing fear over the possible return of Ssebitosi and Kasirye. They have asked security authorities to prevent the two men from returning to the island, describing them as unruly residents and accusing them of being linked to violence in the community.
The duo is charged under court file number 1324/2023 in connection with the alleged assault of Fredrick Namara Karuhanga in March 2023. Namara was allegedly brutally beaten, burnt and left unconscious near the shores of Lake Victoria in an attack that nearly claimed his life. Court documents and testimonies from residents indicate that Namara was abandoned at the lakeshore after sustaining severe injuries.
Marine officers rescued Namara and rushed him to hospital, where he reportedly remained in a coma for several days before regaining consciousness. The case is not the first in which Ssebitosi and Kasirye have been accused of involvement in serious crime on the island. They were previously arrested alongside several others over the alleged murder of Fred Ntambi, who was attacked and tortured while fishing on Lake Victoria on March 22, 2023.
Ntambi was found by Good Samaritans lying helpless in a pool of blood along the lakeshore with life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to St Bernard Clinic in Katosi, where he later died. Those arrested in connection with Ntambi's death included Ssebitosi, who reportedly admitted beating Ntambi, claiming that he had suspected him of stealing fishing nets, but denied intentionally killing him.
Residents now allege that despite the arrests and accusations of violence against members of the community, Ssebitosi and other suspects have continued to enjoy protection from influential individuals, particularly Major Mark Wanyama, a UPDF officer who is also at the centre of a long-running land dispute on the island. Residents claim that Wanyama has repeatedly intervened to secure the freedom of the suspects.
The allegations against Ssebitosi, Kasirye, Wanyama and the other individuals mentioned in the disputes have not been finally determined by court. Residents say the combination of the land dispute, allegations of violence and the release of suspects accused in serious criminal cases has heightened insecurity on the island. They are calling on security agencies and the courts to ensure that the criminal and civil proceedings are allowed to proceed without intimidation, while witnesses and residents are protected from possible retaliation.
Key points
- The release of Jackson Ssebitosi on bail has sparked protests on Mbeya Island.
- Residents accuse Ssebitosi and Yasin Kasirye of involvement in violent crimes on the island.
- A long-running land dispute involving Major Mark Wanyama has contributed to tensions on the island.
