Security agencies are hunting for a group of armed robbers who made off with a private security guard’s firearm following a foiled night raid on a village Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) in Gganda, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District.
The attempted robbery occurred around 3 a.m. on Wednesday and is believed to have been carried out by a group of about 10 men. According to police, the suspects had conducted prior surveillance and ambushed two guards—Gerald Orinfa and Comfort Rwasamira—at their resting spots, assaulting them with hammers and stones.
“We were encircled and beaten as we called for help,” Orinfa told police. “Fortunately, I managed to press the alarm, which alerted nearby residents and officers.”
The swift response by the community and law enforcement forced the attackers to flee before accessing the SACCO’s safe. However, they managed to snatch two firearms from the guards and used one of them to fire at responding police officers.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed that the thugs ran out of ammunition and abandoned one of the guns as they fled. “We are now tracking them down and working to recover the remaining firearm,” he said.
Authorities have commended the quick action of the guards and local residents, saying it likely prevented a major financial loss. However, they are also warning financial institutions, businesses, and households to strengthen their security systems—including alarms and surveillance—especially in areas where large sums of money are stored.