A fuel pump attendant, Emanuel Odongo, was hacked to death, and a local teacher, identified only as Samuel, was seriously injured during a brutal attack in Nabuti Cell, Mukono Central Division.
Odongo, 22, worked at a nearby petrol station. He was found dead in a water drainage system, with locals speculating that he may have been targeted for money.
One resident said, “He had money, that’s why they attacked him,” while another expressed grief over the loss of a young man trying to make a living.
Residents have raised concerns over the rise of criminal gangs in the area, with many blaming the "Mukono 11" gang for the increasing violence.
“The Mukono 11 gang is behind most of this violence,” said Lubimbi Godfrey, a resident. “They operate everywhere, and the police do nothing about it.”
Lawrence Wamala, another local, criticized the authorities for failing to curb late-night drinking and gambling activities. “The authorities aren’t doing enough to stop gambling and drinking in our area,” he said, adding that the noise and the fear of crime keep residents awake.
Security efforts have been undermined by the failure of attempts to raise funds from residents for local safety measures.
Twahir Isabirye, the Nabuti cell defense secretary, noted that many had refused to contribute, leaving security efforts unsupported.
Isabirye also blamed the local fuel station for not providing enough protection for their workers.
The violence escalated when the attackers turned on Samuel, the teacher, who managed to escape when a passing vehicle flashed its lights, causing the assailants to flee.
“I thought I was done for, but a car came, and the attackers ran off when the lights shone on them,” Samuel said.
Mukono Police have taken Odongo’s body to Mulago Mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Investigations are ongoing, but no official statement has been released regarding the cause of death.