Police in Mubende District are hunting for unknown assailants who killed a private security guard and stole his firearm during a robbery at a coffee store in Kalonga Sub-county.
The deceased, identified as Mutegule Joseph, 40, was an employee of Uganda Securico Company Limited, where he had worked as a security guard for the past 15 years.
The attack happened at about 5:00am on July 25, 2026, as Mutegule guarded Artica Coffee International Stores in Kagavu LC1, Budibaga Parish, Kalonga Sub-county.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the attackers stormed the guard's room, assaulted him and dragged him about 200 metres into a nearby bush, where he was later found unconscious.
The assailants reportedly fled with his rifle, serial number UG 30373337E104297, together with three rounds of ammunition.
A caretaker at the coffee store was alerted and rushed to the scene before attempting to take Mutegule to hospital, but he died on the way before receiving medical attention.
Wamala Region Police spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi said police responded immediately after receiving the report and have launched investigations to identify the attackers and recover the stolen firearm.
"Our officers, led by the District Police Commander, visited and documented the scene. Investigations are underway to identify and arrest those responsible, while efforts are also focused on recovering the stolen firearm before it can be used to commit other crimes," Kigozi said.
The incident was first reported at Kalonga Sub-county Police Station before being escalated to Mubende District Police Headquarters by Muhereza Apollo, a resident of Greater Kalonga LC1.
Police deployed a canine tracking team to assist with investigations, but the sniffer dog failed to trace the suspects after officers established that the scene had been interfered with before investigators arrived.
Investigators documented the scene, collected evidence and recorded statements from witnesses. The body was later transferred to Mubende Regional Hospital for a postmortem examination.
SSP Kigozi said the police are working with the Regional Flying Squad Unit to track down the suspects.
"We are doing everything possible to apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen gun. We also appeal to members of the public to provide any information that could assist the investigation," he said.
Police have also cautioned private security companies against deploying guards alone at high-risk installations, saying single-person deployments expose guards and the facilities they protect to greater danger.
"Security companies should review single-guard deployments because they expose personnel to unnecessary danger. Adequate staffing can significantly improve the safety of both guards and the premises they protect," Kigozi added.
Authorities have urged residents of Kalonga Sub-county to remain calm but vigilant and report any information that could help in the arrest of the suspects or recovery of the stolen firearm.
Investigations into the murder and aggravated robbery are ongoing.
