In a shocking incident, police in Gulu City, northern Uganda, are intensifying their search for gunmen who fatally shot a mobile banking agent during a shop raid.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Gunmen remain at large following a violent attack on a mobile banking agent in Gulu City, northern Uganda. Kenneth Olobo, the victim, was shot and killed during the raid on the shop where he operated.
The assailants, two of whom were wearing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) uniforms, targeted the agent as he was performing bookkeeping tasks.
Details of the Incident
According to Ismail Odong, a boda boda rider who reported the attack to the police, three unidentified men, including two armed individuals in army uniforms with AK47 rifles, raided a mobile banking and mobile money shop owned by Ian Opio.
During the attack, the assailants stole an undisclosed amount of money and several mobile phones.
Investigation and Recovery of Evidence
The Aswa River Regional Police Spokesperson, ASP David Ongom Mudong, confirmed that the police are investigating the incident, which involved both aggravated robbery and murder.
Olobo sustained two gunshot wounds and was immediately rushed to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on July 9, 2023.
Police detectives, led by the officer in charge of Gulu Central Police station, visited the crime scene to collect evidence. Notably, they recovered two cartridges and one projectile, which will aid in the investigation.
“We are investigating a double incident of aggravated robbery and murder by shooting which took place on July 8, 2023 at around 9:10pm. The thugs discharged two bullets injuring Kenneth Olobo. He was rushed to Gulu regional referral hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on July 9, 2023,” ASP David Ongom said.
Search for Suspects and Previous Incidents
Despite the assailants being at large, the police are actively pursuing leads to apprehend them. ASP David Ongom Mudong confirmed that the hunt for the suspects is ongoing, with inquiries continuing to gather more information.
This incident follows a similar attack on June 14, 2023, when armed individuals shot and injured a mobile money operator in Gulu. The series of armed raids on mobile money shops has sparked fear among the business community.
National Security Concerns
The recent wave of insecurity in Uganda has prompted President Museveni to address the nation in the coming days.
He expressed his intention to make a broadcast regarding antiterrorism and crime, acknowledging the need to address the rising security challenges in the country.
Statistics on Crime
According to the Uganda Police Crime annual report of 2022, there has been an alarming increase in mobile phone thefts, with a total of 6,936 cases reported in 2022 compared to 4,143 cases in 2021. The report also highlights a decrease in murder by shooting cases, with 279 reported in 2022 compared to 303 in 2021.
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Additionally, there were 6,854 reported cases of robbery in 2022, an increase from 5,275 cases in 2021. Notably, 2,516 cases involved aggravated robberies using lethal weapons such as firearms, knives, hammers, and machetes.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for strengthened security measures to combat the escalating criminal activities and protect the well-being of the Ugandan population.
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