By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Kampala, Uganda – Tragedy struck in Uganda’s mobile money community as Justine Tusingwire, a mobile money agent, succumbed to gunshot wounds following a late-night robbery near her home in Kaliro.
The incident occurred approximately 300 meters from Tusingwire’s mobile money shop, where she and her husband, Rodgers Batambwire, were ambushed by armed men on an unregistered motorcycle.
The assailants, dressed in dark hooded jumpers and black sporty trousers, and masked, opened fire without warning, shooting Tusingwire at close range.
Despite rushed emergency treatment, Tusingwire’s injuries proved fatal.
This attack is part of a disturbing trend of increasing violence against mobile money agents in Uganda.
“We had just left our shop when they attacked us,” Batambwire recounted. “They didn’t say a word; they just started shooting.”
Similar incidents have been reported, including a mobile money operator’s murder in Gulu earlier this year.
These attacks have instilled fear among agents, prompting calls for enhanced security measures.
The rising violence has also fueled mob justice, with some community members taking matters into their own hands.
Yesterday, in Kalamba trading center, Kasanda district, two suspected motorcycle thieves were killed by an angry mob.
The motivation behind these mob attacks stems from the brutal nature of robberies, where victims are often harmed or killed.
This perceived lack of justice has led to a “tit-for-tat” mentality, where citizens seek revenge against suspected thieves.
Local police have launched an investigation into Tusingwire’s murder but have yet to make arrests.
Authorities suspect the attackers are part of an organized group responsible for similar heists.
Police officials urge mobile money agents to take precautions, such as closing early and avoiding large cash transactions late at night.
The community is asked to report suspicious activity and cooperate with law enforcement.
The police have assured the public that they are working tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrators and restore safety.
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