BUDAKA, Uganda – Police in Budaka District are investigating an aggravated robbery where a statistician was waylaid and robbed of cash and equipment valued at over Shs9.4 million. The incident, which occurred on Monday night, has heightened concerns among local residents about rising criminal activity in the area.
The victim has been identified as Mr. Tinka Vianney Mugisha, 26, a resident of Nankone Village, Bwase Ward in Budaka Town Council.
According to North Bukedi Regional Police spokesperson ASP Wilfred Kyempasa, Mr. Mugisha was arriving home on a motorcycle (boda boda) when he was attacked by unknown thugs. He was carrying a navy-blue bag containing three Point of Sale (POS) machines, a printer, an office stamp, keys, record books, three mobile phones, and cash totaling Shs 3,566,000. The total value of the stolen items is estimated at Shs 9,400,000.
“While Mr. Mugisha had reached his home gate, unknown thugs seized the bag from him,” ASP Kyempasa confirmed.
Police explained that as Mr. Mugisha struggled with two of the assailants, a third man, wearing a green and black jacket, appeared. The sound of a gun being cocked from inside the jacket frightened the victim, who then fled to a neighbor’s house for help.
Neighbors responded quickly, but the suspects had already escaped on an unidentified motorcycle, leaving behind one phone dropped on the ground.
A case of aggravated robbery has been registered under reference number CID CRB BDK 201/2025. Detectives, D/CID, and Scene of Crime Officers visited the crime scene to collect evidence. No arrests have been made so far.
“We have launched a manhunt for the suspects. Preliminary information suggests this could be part of a wider gang operating in the area. We urge anyone with information to come forward,” ASP Kyempasa stated on Tuesday.
In light of the incident and growing concerns, police have advised the public to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to utilize mobile money transactions where possible to reduce risks.
