Residents of Bugoba Village in Goma Division, Mukono Municipality are gripped by fear following the brutal killing of a prominent medical worker, sparking urgent calls for security agencies to restore order in the area.
The deceased has been identified as Peter Mubiru, a highly skilled and widely respected radiographer who worked with several health facilities across Mukono District.
Mubiru was attacked on Monday night by unknown assailants who reportedly struck him with a heavy paver stone. He sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Mengo Hospital, where he succumbed early Tuesday morning.
The killing has sent shockwaves through both the local community and the medical fraternity. Colleagues described Mubiru as an irreplaceable professional in a field already grappling with a shortage of specialists.
A visit to the crime scene reveals a growing pattern of insecurity. Residents say the area has increasingly become a hotspot for criminal activity, particularly after dark.
According to locals, the same location where Mubiru was attacked has claimed at least three other lives in recent months.
“This place turns into a death trap at night,” one resident said. “Thugs hide in the darkness and ambush unsuspecting pedestrians. We are no longer safe.”
In response, residents have resorted to organizing night vigils and prayers at a nearby abandoned Born-again church.
They are now calling for its reopening, arguing that its deserted state has turned it into a hideout for criminals who launch attacks under the cover of darkness.
Wandera John, a boda-boda rider operating at Senkatuuka stage, linked the surge in crime to the recent eviction of street vendors from Mukono’s main roads.
He argued that the move reduced human activity and informal surveillance at night, inadvertently creating an enabling environment for criminals.
“Ever since vendors were removed, the streets are empty and unsafe,” Wandera said. “We now operate in constant fear because there are fewer people around.”
The murder has also dealt a blow to the health sector in Mukono. Medical workers, including David Wamaani, who previously worked with Mubiru, expressed deep sorrow, noting that Uganda already faces a critical shortage of radiography specialists.
“We have lost a very important person,” Wamaani said. “Radiographers are few in Uganda, and replacing someone of Mubiru’s experience and dedication will not be easy.”
Local leaders have acknowledged the worsening situation. Billy Ssematimba, LC1 chairperson of Bugoba Village, confirmed the incident and attributed the insecurity to poorly managed abandoned structures and inadequate lighting.
“We have many empty buildings that are not monitored, and most homes do not have security lights on their fences,” Ssematimba explained. “This leaves the entire stretch in total darkness, making it easy for criminals to operate.”
Residents are now appealing to security authorities in Mukono District to intensify night patrols, secure abandoned properties, and enforce the installation of security lighting to deter further attacks.
As the community mourns Peter Mubiru, the tragedy stands as a stark reminder of the growing insecurity in peri-urban areas and the urgent need for coordinated intervention to prevent further loss of life.
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