WAKISO | Fear and uncertainty have taken hold of Gganda Village in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, following a violent nighttime attack on St Jude Sacco, a local savings cooperative.
The assault left two security guards injured and two guns stolen in what residents have described as one of the most terrifying incidents in recent memory.
The attack occurred late Wednesday night and targeted the cooperative premises where two guards—Gerald Olinga, 36, and Comfort Rwasamiyo, 32, both from Dynamic Security Group—were on duty.
CCTV footage shows a group of attackers approaching from different directions. One of them struck Olinga on the head with a stone, then used a panga to slash his right hand, disarming him.
Simultaneously, others ambushed Rwasamiyo, kicking him to the ground and injuring his leg before seizing his weapon as well.
Eyewitnesses say a group of between 15 and 20 individuals, armed with pangas, hammers, and iron bars, stormed the cooperative around 9pm.
Despite gaining entry, they did not steal any money. Residents immediately alerted area security, including a police officer from Gganda Police Station who resides nearby.
Locals attempted to stop the attackers by throwing stones, but backed off when faced with armed resistance.
“We did our best to stop them, but they had guns,” said Kayiwa Ramadan, who operates a car and boda boda night parking nearby.
“Now we’re scared because the missing guns could be used to attack us. What if they come for me while I’m working? How will I defend myself?”
The attack has stirred fresh debate about security in Gganda Village, especially after the withdrawal of a UPDF detachment from the area.
Local security chief Christopher Muyimbwa believes the absence of soldiers has emboldened criminals and is calling for their return.
The incident has shaken the entire community, prompting the temporary closure of the cooperative.
"Our members’ safety is paramount," said a Sacco representative. "We’ve closed operations until we’re sure the area is secure."
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed that investigations are underway, and the injured guards are receiving treatment at Mulago Hospital.
No arrests have been made yet, but Onyango urged the public to stay calm and report any helpful information.
“We are working tirelessly to identify the suspects and ensure justice is served,” he said.
For now, Gganda residents remain gripped by anxiety, demanding swift and effective measures to restore peace and prevent future attacks.
