Tororo, Uganda – A female security guard was brutally murdered while on duty at the Tororo Cement factory staff quarters in Tororo Municipality late Friday night. Authorities are investigating the incident, suspecting that stolen motorcycles were the primary target of the attackers.
Beatrice Ekiling, 50, employed by Gideon Men Security Firm, was found dead at her post, her body lying in a pool of blood. Her firearm was discovered abandoned beside her.
Tororo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Sadiq Bategana Bakale confirmed that law enforcement has launched a full investigation. “We found motorcycles stolen, and the lady was killed, but her gun was left behind. We have introduced a sniffer dog to track the culprits, and we shall do all it takes to bring them to book,” Bakale stated.
Residents and local defense secretary Martin Opio believe the attackers were focused on theft and had no interest in the firearm. “I believe the attack was about the stolen motorcycles. The attackers were likely not interested in the gun because they probably didn’t know how to operate it. They only know how to use weapons like pangas, knives, and hammers,” Opio explained.
Ekiling, a widow and mother of seven from Mayembe village, Asinge sub-county, Tororo District, had worked in the security sector for 14 years to support her family. Two of her children are currently in university, and her youngest is in Senior Five.
Her neighbor, Paul Ochieng, recalled her dedication to her family, noting previous conversations about the dangers of night shifts. “I had personally warned her about working at night, but she explained how her salary was not enough to cover her children’s education. She told me she had to take on extra shifts to supplement her earnings,” Ochieng said.
Ekiling began her security career in 2011 with Securiko Uganda before joining Gideon Men Security Firm in 2016 for better opportunities.
Residents of South Central village have criticized the Tororo Cement Factory management for alleged security lapses at the staff quarters. They allege that numerous abandoned factory houses provide hideouts for criminals.
“Most of these houses are empty. Several workers opted to rent outside due to excessive salary deductions by the factory heads, making the place unsafe. Workers staying in these quarters face deductions of up to four hundred thousand shillings from their salaries,” an anonymous worker revealed.
Ekiling’s body has been taken for a postmortem examination. Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the investigation continues.
