Machete-wielding thugs rob Wakiso businessman of Shs 30m

by · The Observer

Unknown assailants armed with machetes and a hammer ambushed and robbed a businessman of Shs 30.6 million along the Nebbi-Paidah road on Thursday morning.

The robbery occurred at approximately 5:45 am in Pawung Bida Cell, Central Division, Nebbi Municipality. The victim, Emmanuel Tumwine, a businessman from Wakiso district, was travelling alone in his vehicle, registration number UBP 631D from Paidah to Panyimur when he was attacked.

Preliminary police reports indicate that Tumwine was ambushed by attackers riding motorcycles as he approached Jukia Hill. The assailants used a machete and a hammer to break into his vehicle, injuring him in the process before fleeing with the money.

Collins Asea, the acting West Nile Region police spokesperson, stated that police responded quickly to the scene and have deployed a canine unit to track the suspects. Asea also advised the public to exercise caution when transporting large sums of money.

"It is advisable to use safer means of transporting significant amounts of cash, such as bank transfers or electronic methods. If carrying cash is unavoidable, individuals should avoid travelling alone, especially during early or late hours, and should seek police escort services where necessary," he said.

Tumwine is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility in Nebbi Municipality. This incident comes amid a rise in highway robberies along the Arua-Nebbi Highway, where assailants have been targeting vehicles slowed down by pothole-ridden sections of the road, with a focus on bus booths and trucks.

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