By Mike Rwothomio
Authorities in the North West Nile Region have reported a successful intervention by private security forces that disrupted a large-scale aggravated robbery involving an armed mob, with one suspect neutralized through defensive gunfire.
According to SP Collins Asea, the North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, the high-threat incident unfolded around midnight on December 26, 2025, on Nile Street in Odiga Cell, Yumbe Town Council, Yumbe District.
Asea added that , a traveler arriving from Kampala was targeted upon disembarking public transportation and ambushed by approximately 15 assailants equipped with edged weapons (pangas/machetes), sticks, and improvised projectiles (stones).
The perpetrators executed a coordinated surround-and-assault tactic, physically battering the victim before expropriating valuables contained in a backpack, including:One HP laptop (valued at UGX 500,000)
One Mobigo smartphone (valued at UGX 1,200,000)
Two Itel feature phones (valued at UGX 65,000 each)
Sensitive personal items: National ID, Driving Permit, four ATM cards, and a power bank.
The victim activated an audible alarm, drawing the response of a licensed private security officer from Ultimate Security Limited, posted at the nearby Omia Agribusiness facility.
Asea said Upon approach, the armed gang escalated hostilities by hurling stones and aggressively brandishing pangas toward the responding guard, posing an imminent lethal threat.In lawful defense of life, the guard discharged a single round from his assigned rifle (serial: UG PSO SAR 12116494), striking suspect Guma Anywari (18, male, peasant farmer, resident of Parikale Cell, Bilewu Ward).
Anywari sustained gunshot wounds to the lower right ribs and right arm and was immediately medically evacuated to Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital.
The remaining assailants disengaged and fled the area, abandoning one panga, which was secured as evidentiary material.
Rapid deployment of police patrol units ensured scene containment, recovery of the edged weapon, and impoundment of the guard’s firearm plus ammunition (one expended cartridge, four live rounds) for forensic and ballistic analysis.
The crime scene was processed, witness statements obtained, and the case docketed under reference YBE CRB 724/2025 for aggravated robbery.
Police have launched a manhunt for the estimated 14 fugitives and issued a public intelligence appeal. Citizens with information on the at-large suspects are urged to contact the nearest police post.
Police have stressed the need for enhanced community vigilance and parental oversight to mitigate criminal risks during the holiday period.
