Mpigi businessman shot dead in robbery attack

Police in Mpigi District are investigating the circumstances under which unknown assailants shot and killed a 38-year-old businessman, making off with an unspecified amount of money.

Isaac Mugabe was killed on Wednesday night as he was returning home and entering his compound in Buwama Town. The deceased was the proprietor of M I Hardware, located in Buwama Town Council.

One of the eyewitnesses, Mr Anthony Mukwaya, said Mugabe was in a vehicle with his wife, Ms Florence Nakato, and her sister, Nina Nabatuuza, who sustained injuries during the attack.

"We tried to save Mugabe's life, but it was too late. By the time we reached Doctors Centre, where we rushed him, he had passed away," Mukwaya said. "The wife and her sister were rushed to Mild Life Medical Clinic, where they are receiving treatment."

Mukwaya explained that Mugabe, sensing danger, attempted to drive away. Unfortunately, he rammed into a fence, at which point the attackers shot him.

Mr Julius Tugumanawe, the Mpigi District Police Commander, said investigations have begun, urging anyone with credible information to assist in identifying and arresting the assailants.

"In the meantime, we will use the CCTV cameras along the highway to aid our investigation. The cameras at Mugabe's home could have simplified our work, but we have discovered they are not functioning," he said.

Ms Teddy Nambooze, the Member of Parliament for Mpigi District, condemned the incident, attributing it to youths who fail to engage in productive work and instead seek easy money.

"Mugabe was a young, progressive entrepreneur in our area, and we ask the police to make use of available technologies, such as cameras, to catch the killers," she said.

Mr Yusuf Nsibambi, the legislator for Mawokoto South Constituency, expressed concern over increasing insecurity in the area, claiming that suspects arrested by police are often released without charges.

"Our people no longer sleep at night; animals are stolen, and shops are broken into. When suspects are arrested, they are released the next day. This time, all eyes are on the police to see how they will handle this case," he said.

According to the 2023 annual Police Crime Report, a total of 300 cases of murder by shooting were reported to police nationwide, compared to 279 cases in 2022, reflecting a 7.5 percent increase in such incidents. Out of the reported cases, 57 were taken to court, 73 were not proceeded with, and 170 were still under investigation. A total of 330 people were shot dead, including 298 males, 125 females, six male juveniles, and one female juvenile. By the end of 2023, 81 cases of murder by shooting were still pending in court.