Deputy Lord Mayor Nyanjura mourns brother killed in Ntinda mobile money raid

Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor  Doreen Nyanjura has revealed that her younger brother, Albert Cook Tugume, was tragically shot and killed during a robbery at his mobile money shop in Ntinda, a Kampala suburb, on Thursday evening.

Tugume, 33, operated a mobile money and agent banking business on Central Road in Ntinda-Kigoowa, Nakawa West Division.

According to Nyanjura, the attack occurred around 8:00 p.m. when gunmen stormed his shop, shooting him three times before fleeing with his bag containing cash, mobile money agent lines, bank agent machines, and other valuables.

“He attempted to take off from the gunmen, but he could only run so far,” Nyanjura shared in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter) early Friday morning. “The cowards shot him three times and took off with his belongings, jumping on a waiting boda boda motorcycle to escape.”

In a heroic attempt to intervene, a boda boda rider identified as Barnabas was also shot by the gunmen. Nyanjura reported that Barnabas sustained critical injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at  Mulago Hospital.

“Barnabas tried to save my brother’s life,” Nyanjura wrote. “We are praying for his speedy recovery and are forever indebted to him for his bravery.”

Police in Kampala Metropolitan have confirmed the incident as a suspected case of aggravated robbery.

“Kira Road Police responded to a scene of aggravated robbery in Ntinda. Tragically, one person has been confirmed dead, and another sustained injuries. Further details will be provided as soon as possible,” said ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Publicist.

The tragic incident has sparked concerns about the safety of mobile money operators and the increasing prevalence of armed robberies in urban areas. Mobile money businesses have become frequent targets for criminals due to the high volumes of cash and transactional equipment they handle.

Nyanjura’s public appeal has drawn widespread attention, with many calling for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable business owners and residents.

As investigations continue, police have urged anyone with information about the attackers to come forward. The family, meanwhile, is grappling with the devastating loss of a young man remembered for his dedication to his work and his community.

The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures to curb rising crime and protect lives and livelihoods in Kampala.