Mobile money agent gunned down near Jinja security boss’ home

A police patrol truck leaves the shooting scene with the body of a mobile money float agent who was shot by unknow assailants. PHOTO/ ISAAC KINTU
What you need to know:
- In a related development, police in the neighboring Iganga District are hunting for unknown assailants who allegedly robbed an Indian businessman Shs50 million Tuesday morning.
A mobile money float agent has been shot dead near the home of Jinja Resident City Commissioner in Eastern Uganda.
Emmanuel Opusi, a field float agent attached to Keshwala Group of Companies that conducts Mobile money business on behalf of Airtel Uganda in Jinja City, was attacked by unknown assailants suspected to be robbers near the residence of Mr Richard Gulume in Buwekula Parish, Jinja North Division.
Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Gulume doubles as the chairperson of Jinja city security committee.
“Gunmen opened fire on a man who had brought float to a mobile money shop operator. In fact I am at the scene which is just two houses passed the home of RCC Mr Gulume,’’ said the area Parish Internal Security Officer, Mr Richard Kawabuli.
According to him, the gunmen were traveling in a Toyota Premio which sped off after they shot Opusi in the ribs.
He died at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital where he was referred to by Al-Shaf Modern Hospital where he was first admitted.
The exact amount of money taken from Opusi by the assailants is not yet clear but sources at the scene estimated it to be at around Shs20 million.

Mr Gulume called for more vigilance among locals to avoid reoccurrence of such attacks.
“It’s unfortunate that thugs shot dead a person near my home but I advise people to be alert and report any suspicious elements seen in their areas,’’he said.
In a related development, police in the neighboring Iganga District are hunting for unknown assailants who allegedly robbed an Indian businessman Shs50 million Tuesday morning.
Busoga East police spokesperson, Mr Michael Kafayo said the suspects intercepted the Indian businessman near his home in Kasokoso village in Iganga Municipality Tuesday morning.
‘’Thugs this morning intercepted an Indian national when they parked their car in front as he came out of the gate of his fence and robbed him of the Shs50 million he was taking to Bank of Baroda to deposit,’’ Mr Kafayo said.
“This money was got from the items sold in the evening by the victim. So, he was transporting it to the Bank.’’
Police suspect the robbery was an inside job and could have been planned by people close to the businessman.
Mr Kafayo identified the car used in this particular robbery as a black Toyota Corona Kiswa registration number UBA 545A.