(Kampala) – A boda boda cyclist who attempted to save a mobile money agent during a robbery in Kiwatule has died from gunshot wounds sustained in the attack. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday evening, November 21, 2024, and left two people dead.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed that 30-year-old Barnabas Sabiti passed away early Friday morning at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Sabiti had been critically injured while trying to shield 34-year-old Albert Tugume, a mobile money agent, during the robbery.
Tugume, the brother of Kampala City Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, was shot and killed during the attack. The incident took place at Tugume’s mobile money shop located in Kiwatule Central Zone, Nakawa Division, as he prepared to close for the day.
Preliminary investigations by police revealed that Tugume was ambushed by armed assailants targeting his cash. As he tried to flee, he was pursued and shot three times. Sabiti, who intervened to protect Tugume, was shot by another assailant waiting nearby.
According to Owoyesigyire, the robbers made off with a bag containing cash, mobile money agent lines, and bank agent machines. The gunmen then fled the scene on a waiting boda boda.
Police recovered a vehicle, registration number UBH 045H, damaged by stray bullets at the crime scene.
Tugume’s death has left his family devastated. Deputy Lord Mayor Nyanjura described her brother’s final moments, revealing that he tried to escape but was ultimately overpowered by the gunmen.
“My young brother, Tugume Albert, tried to take off from the gunmen but could only run so far. The cowards shot him three times and made off with his belongings. Barnabas, who tried to save him, has also now passed away. We are forever indebted to him for his heroic act,” Nyanjura said in a statement.
Sabiti’s death highlights the growing trend of violent crimes targeting mobile money agents. Police noted that this incident follows other similar attacks in recent months.
| Details of the Incident | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Attack | November 21, 2024 |
| Location | Kiwatule Central Zone, Kampala |
| Victims | Albert Tugume (mobile money agent) and Barnabas Sabiti (boda cyclist) |
| Assailants | Armed robbers (identity unknown) |
| Items Stolen | Cash, mobile money lines, bank agent machines |
| Police Evidence | Damaged vehicle (UBH 045H) |
This tragic event comes as law enforcement grapples with a rise in robberies targeting mobile money operators. Earlier this month, police in Mityana arrested eight suspects connected to a robbery involving another mobile money agent who lost property worth UGX 14 million.
Tugume will be laid to rest on Sunday, November 24, 2024, in Nyamabuga, Bugaaki Mwenge, Kyenjojo District. A church service in his memory was held on Friday at St. Luke Church in Ntinda.
Police have urged the public to provide any information that could help apprehend the perpetrators of this crime. Security agencies have also committed to increasing patrols to prevent similar incidents.
