By Insight Post Uganda
Kampala-Uganda
Recent reports by Uganda Police indicate a rise in deliberate attacks specifically aimed at mobile money dealers and banking agents.
These attacks involve various methods such as following the victims to their residences or workplaces, launching direct physical assaults at their premises, and ambushing them during their journeys to and from banks.
In response to this alarming trend, Uganda Police Spokesperson-Fred Enanga says it is crucial to exercise heightened vigilance, modify regular routines, reinforce security measures with the presence of guards and escort services, and minimize late-night movements.
For example, on June 13, 2023, at approximately 7:20 PM, three unidentified gunmen targeted Girisa’s shop located in Lodongo main market, Lodongo town council, Yumbe district. They forcibly stole cash and a mobile phone before escaping on a motorcycle.
Similarly, on June 13, 2023, around 8:30 PM, two armed individuals wearing masks attacked Nkalubo Brian, a 31-year-old mobile money agent at Kinawa Charles trading center, Bandwe cell, Kasenge ward, Kyengera town council. They robbed him of 1.5 million shillings and two mobile phones before fleeing on a motorcycle towards Nalumunye.
Another incident occurred on June 14, 2023, when Mutabazi Charles, a 38-year-old businessman from Pece African Quarters, was attacked around 8:30 PM while closing his agent banking establishment. Despite resisting, he was overpowered by the assailants who fired shots into the air.
They subsequently looted eight agent banking machines from different banks along with cash. The victim sustained injuries and was promptly taken to the hospital. Authorities recovered a rusty AK47 rifle, a magazine, two cartridges, and a jacket as evidence.
Continuing the trend, on June 15, 2023, at approximately 10:30 PM, Ndagire Sylivia, a mobile money agent operating in Kitemu trading center, was pursued by robbers who followed her until she reached the access road to her residence in Kuminemu zone, Nsangi ward, Kyengera Town Council.
The attackers swiftly seized her handbag containing 3 million shillings and two mobile phones. She raised an alarm, leading to gunshots that partially injured her. She received immediate first aid at Victor Medical Center in Nsangi.
Furthermore, on June 17, 2023, around 3 PM, Mushabe Moses, a 46-year-old businessman residing in Katanabirwa village, Kyenda sub-county, Kyankwanzi district, was summoned to Kampala by his neighbor, Muwonge Brian, who claimed to have found land for him to purchase.
On June 18, 2023, at approximately 10 AM, the victim embarked on his journey to Nansana with 30 million Ugandan shillings. Muwonge arranged for two motorcycle taxis (boda bodas) to transport the victim to Bweyogerere, where the purported land was located.
However, in an isolated area in Bweyogerere, the motorcycle taxi riders turned against Mushabe Moses and robbed him of the bag containing the cash. The incident was reported to the Bweyogerere Police Station.
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