MUKONO. Shock and grief has engulfed residents of Kirowooza and Nabuta villages in Goma Division, Mukono Municipality following a deadly armed robbery that left one person dead and several traders counting losses.
The victim, identified as Peter Ssekamatte, a well-known mobile money operator in Kirowooza, succumbed to gunshot wounds shortly after being rushed to Mukono General Hospital. Police later recovered his body on Thursday morning as investigations into the attack got underway.
Eyewitnesses said the gang, armed with guns and machetes, stormed the trading centers at around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, robbing shops and mobile money outlets.
“They came randomly, entering shops and ordering us to give them money. We were too scared to resist,” said one trader, who requested anonymity for security reasons.
Another resident, Nafayo Justine, recounted a narrow escape after two robbers confronted him while he was at work. He expressed frustration that, despite residents contributing funds for night patrols, insecurity in the area remains rampant.
“They entered the shop and demanded money. I complied because they were armed,” he said.
Nabuta Cell Chairperson Senyonga Kyeyune condemned the attack and appealed for heightened security deployment in the area. He also urged the government to tighten control over firearms in civilian hands.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson ,Mr Patrick Onyango confirmed the attack ,saying detectives have already visited the scene and recovered several exhibits to aid their investigations.
“Preliminary findings suggest the attackers were well-coordinated and could be part of a larger criminal network operating within the Kampala Metropolitan area,” Onyango noted.
“We are taking this incident very seriously and are working around the clock to apprehend the suspects. We call on anyone with information to come forward.”