Suspected Robber Killed by Mob, Police Recover Stolen Gun in Rukungiri

Rukungiri: The territorial police in Rukungiri are investigating the death of a suspected robber and the recovery of a stolen firearm.

According to police reports, on the evening of February 25, 2025, at around 8:30 PM, a concerned citizen alerted the Officer in Charge of Field Force Unit (FFU) Rukungiri CPS, IP Nicholas Tukamwesiga, about a mob attack on suspected robbers at Butimba along Karegyesa Road in Rukungiri town. The suspects were reportedly armed with an AK-47 rifle.

Police responded swiftly and found a man lying dead in a pool of blood next to an AK-47 rifle. The gun, identified as UG POL 565810907-27608, was loaded with 28 rounds of ammunition. Investigations revealed that it had been stolen from Police Constable (PC) Benard Adriko on January 19, 2025, at his duty station near Kabale University – Rukungiri Branch in Nyakaina Cell, Buyanja Town Council.

Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Elly Maate identified the deceased as Marc Kamp Akampurira, a resident of Nyakina Village, Buyanja Sub-county, based on his National ID found in his wallet. His body was taken to Rwakabengo Health Center III mortuary for a postmortem.

Preliminary findings indicate that two armed robbers stormed Agaba Kenneth’s hardware shop in Rukungiri town and stole UGX 8 million at gunpoint. During the robbery, they fired one shot, but fortunately, no one was injured. However, the gun jammed, forcing them to flee.

As they struggled with the malfunctioning weapon, residents noticed and pursued them. One suspect, who was carrying the gun, was caught and lynched by the angry mob, while his accomplice, reportedly his brother, managed to escape and is currently on the run.

Police have commended the bravery of the residents and urged the public to always share timely information to help in crime prevention. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to arrest the second suspect so he can face justice.