By Robert Segawa
Metropolitan Police East region is investigating a fatal robbery that occurred on the evening of Thursday, November 19, 2024, in Kiwatule Central Zone, Nakawa Division, Kampala City. The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of a mobile money operator and a boda boda rider who was injured during the attack and rushed to hospital later succumbed to injuries.
According to police, Tugume Albert, a 34-year-old mobile money operator, was closing his shop around 7 p.m. when he was ambushed by an armed assailant intent on robbing him. During the scuffle, Sabiti Barnabas, a 30-year-old boda boda rider, tried to intervene and help Tugume. However, he was shot by a second armed assailant who had been waiting nearby.
As the assailants fired at Sabiti, Tugume attempted to flee the scene but was pursued by the robbers. Tragically, Tugume was shot and killed in the process. The robbers escaped with a bag believed to have contained a sum of cash, though the exact amount remains unspecified.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, confirmed that police responded promptly to the scene, recovering critical evidence that will assist in the ongoing investigation. Additionally, a motor vehicle with registration number UBH 045H was found damaged by stray bullets during the shootout.
Sabiti Barnabas, the injured boda boda rider, was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he has succumbed gunshot wounds on Friday Morning. Meanwhile, Tugume’s body was transported to Mulago City Mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Tugume Albert was the brother of Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, who expressed her grief over the tragic loss through a tweet on her X (formerly Twitter) account. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Tugume Albert during this difficult time,” Owoyesigyire said in a statement.
The police are calling for members of the public who may have information related to the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. “The Kampala Metropolitan Police is committed to bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice,” Owoyesigyire added.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, with many calling for increased security measures in the area to prevent such tragic events from recurring.
