Jinja: A manhunt is underway for suspected armed robbers who stormed the Praise God Hardware Shop in Buwenge Town Council on Friday, April 4, killing one person and injuring another. The Kiira Regional Police Command, led by SSP Charles Nsaba, has intensified efforts to track down the culprits.
The robbers, who entered the shop around 8:00 p.m., shot and fatally wounded Bumali Mbadi, while Eric Matege sustained serious injuries. Both were customers at the hardware store.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspects were three in number—two men and one woman. However, some community members have accused the police of being slow to respond, citing previous incidents in which lives were lost due to delayed intervention.
The Chairperson of Jinja District, Moses Batwala, confirmed the incident while addressing journalists at the scene. “The deceased’s body has been taken to Buwenge Police Station, and the injured victim is receiving treatment at Buwenge Regional Hospital. An investigation into the matter is ongoing,” he said.
Police responded to the crime scene and recovered a cartridge, which has been sent to the Government Analytical Laboratory in Kampala for further forensic analysis.
“We encourage the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities,” said SP James Mubi, spokesperson for the Kiira Regional Police.
The Kiira Regional Police Command has assured the public of its continued commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and their property.
As investigations continue, the police are urging anyone with information to contact Buwenge Police Station or the regional headquarters.
“We urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist us in bringing the perpetrators to justice,” Mubi added.
This senseless act of violence has shaken Buwenge Town Council, sending shockwaves through the community after the gunmen, reportedly on a motorcycle, opened fire.
In a similar incident in March, gunmen shot and killed Peter Muzira, a 34-year-old businessman, in Busia, also within Buwenge Town Council.
Muzira was tragically gunned down at a swamp bordering Luzinga and Buwenge Town Council on March 13, 2025. A resident of Luzinga Central Village in Kamuli District, he was traveling as a passenger on a boda boda with two others when gunmen in a salon car ambushed them and opened fire.
