Tighten security for mobile money agents

This negative trend calls for urgent preventive measures, first by the mobile money operators themselves taking responsibility for their security.

Another life has been lost in what has become a persistent attack on mobile money agents. According to the police, the unidentified gunmen shot dead Kayita Kitanda at the doorstep of his home in Nansana, a Kampala suburb, on Saturday. They took off with Shs16 million. This brings to five, the number of people who have been killed under similar circumstances since January.

Airtime agents and operators of betting clubs have also fallen victims of these hit-and-run killers.

This negative trend calls for urgent preventive measures, first by the mobile money operators themselves taking responsibility for their security. Since most of them wrap-up the day’s work when banks have closed, it is important that the agents hire trusted security guards to escort them back home.

Another alternative would be to bank part of the money during the day instead of carrying the bulk home late in the night. The mobile money agents could also deposit their day’s proceeds through ATMs, most of which operate 24/7. This will minimise the risk of attack and robbery. And while doing all this, have a security guard or body guards nearby.

The police also need to act to prevent any other lives from being lost. Instead of waiting to investigate and hunt down assailants, it is important that community policing tips are given to mobile money agents and operators of similar businesses on how to safeguard their hard-earned money.

This will not only save lives, but send a message to the criminals that they are being watched.

If similar crime prevention strategies are emphasised by all stakeholders at all times, the number of death by shooting - which stands at 45 cases across the country since January - would be reduced.

As we expect the police and other security agencies to provide security, taking responsibility for personal security and showing concern for the security in our areas, will be the most effective in the short-term.