Police warns against new wave of robberies targeting petrol stations

Uganda Police has warned that there is a new wave of criminal gangs targeting fuel stations, after registering two cases in the previous week.

Accordingly, the robbers either disguise as clients branching to refuel their vehicles, then round up the private security guards and other staff on the night shift, before robbing them.

According to police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, the criminal gangs usually carry out direct attacks on workers at these fuel stations deep in the night especially between 1-4am, while armed with weapons.

Enanga pointed out a case in point where on April 4, 2023, at around 1am, the gang of 5 suspects armed with guns and iron bars raided Total Fuel station, Semuto branch in Nakaseke.

“They rounded up all the guards and staff and tied them up and then broke the door to the offices, where they robbed all the money in the safe. In addition, they stole goods and commodities from the supermarket which they boldly loaded into a waiting motor vehicle,” he said.

The suspects are said to have also robbed a motorcycle bajaj boxer, registration number, UDM 829F, ridden by Sembajjwe Charles, who had branched for fuel. They seriously beat him and robbed his motorcycle.

Again, Enanga noted that another group of thugs carried out attacks on April 30, at Seka Energy petrol station in Kayunga where they murdered a private security guard identified as John Waiswa, aged 36.

He added that Waiswa’s colleague, Kasonga Suleiman, aged 37, was also tied with ropes and found unconscious before being rushed to Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital for further treatment.

“The thugs also vandalized two motor vehicles that were parked at the petrol station.”

Following the two incidents, Enanga extended a warning to proprietors and dealers of fuel stations to always thoroughly audit the security premises. He says, this can enable them fill the security gaps in place.

Further, the police spokesperson instructed all supervisors of private security organisations to increase their level of inspections at all guard points to enhance the level of alertness.

“The fact that most guards fall victim during these attacks, at fuel stations  is proof of  low levels of vigilance and alertness at their guard points.”Enanga noted.