Residents of Natete Village in Kisoro District are gripped by fear following an armed robbery that occurred on the night of June 5, 2025, in which two gunmen stormed a local shop and escaped with millions of shillings and several smartphones.
The incident took place at around 10:30 p.m. at a shop owned by businessman Irankunda Rogers. According to police, the robbers are still at large, and investigations are ongoing.
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Kisoro District Police Commander, SP Niwamanya Ben Kashumbusha, identified the victims as Irankunda Rogers, 30, Kamugisha Gideon, 52, Kiizakola Silvan, 36, Busekuro Stephen, 41, and Ssebahima Edward, 42 — all from Kangoma Village in Nyakinama Sub-County.
The victims were seated outside the shop, drinking a local brew known as kashera, when two armed men suddenly approached them.
“One had an AK-47, the other wore a mask,” Rogers recounted. “They ordered us to lie down and hand over everything. We initially thought they were security officers until one fired into the air. That’s when we realized we were under attack.”
Rogers said the attackers took Shs800,000 from his pocket, two phones, and an additional Shs6 million from a drawer inside his shop — earnings from bean sales. “That was all the money I had,” he said.
Another victim, Busekuro Stephen, said he lost Shs2 million and a smartphone. “It’s heartbreaking. These criminals must be caught,” he said.
Kiizakola Silvan was robbed of Shs580,000 and two phones, while Kamugisha Gideon lost Shs18,000 and a mobile phone.
Rogers’ wife, Mbabazi Medius, said the attackers collected the stolen items in a sack and fired several shots as they fled. “It was terrifying. Our family is still in shock,” she said.
Local bar operator Mbabazi Beatrice recalled that the attackers shouted “rara cyini” — meaning “lie down” — in the local language. “It was so sudden. I’m still shaken,” she said.
Police, along with a UPDF officer and canine team, responded to the scene. Investigators recovered three spent cartridges, two live bullets, and one projectile. CCTV footage from Rogers’ shop captured the robbery and is aiding the inquiry.
SP Niwamanya confirmed it was the third armed robbery in the area within a month, raising concerns that illegal weapons may be entering from conflict zones in nearby DR Congo.
He urged locals to stay alert and report suspicious activity.
Kigezi Region Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate echoed the call for public cooperation, emphasizing the importance of community support in tracking down the suspects.
In response to the growing insecurity, security presence in Nyakinama Sub-County has been increased as residents demand more patrols. “We cannot keep living in fear,” one resident said.
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