MUKONO
Police in Mukono District are hunting for armed suspects who raided a fuel station overnight, injuring two workers and making off with a firearm and cash in what authorities have described as a coordinated armed robbery.
The attack took place in the early hours of Friday when the assailants stormed the station, confronted employees on duty, and quickly overpowered them before fleeing with a gun belonging to a private security guard and about Shs350,000 in cash.
The injured victims were identified as Patrick Aliki, a security guard attached to Ultimate Security Ltd, and Brian Sentubwe, a pump attendant. Both sustained injuries during the incident and were taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Police say preliminary investigations suggest the attackers operated as a group and targeted the station during low-activity hours, taking advantage of limited staffing and nighttime cash handling.
Mukono District Police spokesperson ASP Hellen Butoto said officers have launched a manhunt and are treating the matter as a serious armed robbery involving the theft of a service firearm.
“This was a violent attack on innocent workers carrying out their duties. We are actively pursuing the suspects and working to recover the firearm,” ASP Butoto said.
Eyewitnesses described the raid as sudden and highly coordinated. One witness, Rasuud Bazibu, said the attackers acted swiftly and left no room for resistance.
“They came suddenly, overpowered the guards, and disappeared within a very short time. It was terrifying,” he said.
Investigators from the Criminal Investigations Directorate and forensic units visited the scene, documenting evidence and reviewing any available surveillance footage to help identify the suspects.
The theft of a firearm has heightened concern among security agencies, which warn that stolen guns are often used in subsequent violent crimes, making their recovery a priority in such cases.
Mukono District has in recent years recorded several similar attacks on fuel stations, prompting renewed calls for stronger security measures, improved surveillance systems, and increased coordination between private security firms and police.
Police have urged the public to provide any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects as investigations continue.
Torch Media Africa
