By KT Reporter
Residents of Kiwatule in Nakawa Division are demanding increased security measures, particularly more surveillance cameras, following a rise in aggravated robberies in the area. The call for improved security comes after a recent robbery and double murder.
On Thursday last week, Albert Cook Tugume, a 33-year-old mobile money agent, and a boda-boda rider were shot and killed at Tugume’s shop in Kiwatule Central Zone, near the main Ntinda-Kiwatule road. According to eyewitnesses, three assailants on a motorcycle arrived at the shop, and Tugume attempted to flee. He was pursued and fatally shot. The assailants made off with a bag believed to contain an unspecified amount of cash.
During the scuffle, Sabiti Barnabas, a 30-year-old boda-boda rider at Kiwatule Muvule stage, tried to intervene but was shot by another armed assailant waiting nearby. Sabiti died upon arrival at Mulago Hospital. The assailants, who reportedly struck between 7 pm and 8 pm, managed to escape, leaving investigators struggling with limited evidence due to a lack of public and private security cameras in the area.
Upon visiting the crime scene, this reporter observed that the only public camera in the vicinity is located at the intersection of Najjera Road, Ntinda Road, and Kyambogo Road, roughly two meters from the crime scene. However, due to obstructions around the area, the camera’s coverage is limited to the main road, leaving the actual site of the attack out of view.
Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoko told URN that the police teams are still on the ground, hoping for significant breakthroughs. “Our teams are still on the ground at the moment. It would be too early to start sharing information about the progress, especially when you’re dealing with such armed and complicated criminals. It is not advisable to reveal our steps,” Rusoke said.
Area Councillor Paul Kibilige has raised concerns about the lack of security cameras in the area, which he believes hampers law enforcement’s ability to track down the perpetrators. “We face a significant challenge due to the insufficient number of surveillance cameras in high-risk areas,” Kibilige said. “This creates critical blind spots, emboldening criminals to carry out attacks with minimal risk of detection.”
Josephine Clare Mumbejja, a resident along Ntinda Central Road, revealed that last week’s attack was the third incident in three months targeting mobile money businesses off the main road in Kiwatule and Najjera. Clare expressed concern about the high level of criminality in the area, citing criminals who terrorize residents. Despite police efforts to apprehend the culprits, she noted that progress has been slow.
Other mobile money operators in the area are growing increasingly anxious, fearing that if the assailants are not apprehended soon, more attacks may occur during the upcoming festive season.
A police detective at Ntinda Police Station acknowledged that the investigation has been hindered by the lack of adequate CCTV surveillance, limiting their ability to track the suspects’ movements. However, Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, offered hope, stating that investigators have recovered crucial evidence from the crime scene, which will aid in the ongoing investigation. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
