Police in Busoga East are currently investigating a tragic incident where a security guard, 40-year-old Eria Byandala, employed by Saracen Security Services, was killed at Nesita Petrol Station in Iganga municipality on Tuesday morning.
Reports indicate that Byandala was stationed near a fuel pump when four unidentified men approached, demanding access to the money safe. When he refused, the assailants allegedly attacked him with a hoe, resulting in fatal injuries.
The group then reportedly seized Byandala’s gun and proceeded to threaten the supermarket accountant, forcing them to hand over all the money on the premises. Witnesses, speaking anonymously, described a tense 20-minute ordeal starting around 3:00 am, during which the suspects, dressed in dark clothing and speaking Kiswahili, maintained anonymity by avoiding direct eye contact.
Supervisor Eseza Namugwano recounted how the attackers ordered everyone to surrender and subsequently emptied the supermarket’s safe boxes, collecting approximately One Million Shillings along with other items before fleeing the scene.
Councillor Angela Kagoya expressed concern over escalating criminal activities in the area, including motorcycle thefts and house break-ins. She urged law enforcement agencies to enhance security measures through intelligence gathering, vigilante cooperation, and increased patrols to deter criminals.
Diana Nandawula, spokesperson for Busoga East police, confirmed that the assailants escaped with Byandala’s firearm and a motorcycle from the petrol station. Forensic teams are currently analyzing CCTV footage in hopes of identifying and apprehending the suspects believed to be hiding within the community.
The incident underscores ongoing challenges with security in the region, prompting calls for stronger measures to protect residents and businesses from similar attacks in the future.
