Police in Sembabule are actively searching for a group of machete-wielding assailants who brutally attacked, beat, and robbed a female banking agent in Mitete town.

The victim, identified as Mama Miracle, was ambushed while returning home at around 9:00 PM and was severely beaten and left unconscious by the attackers, who stole an undisclosed amount of money, mobile phones, and agent money machines used in her transactions.

This incident occurred at around 9:00 PM in Mitete town in Mitete sub-county, Sembabule district, as she was being escorted back home by a friend identified as Tony Mujuzi.

Baker Byayi Ssenyonga, the LC V Chairperson of Mitete sub-county, revealed that the victim’s attackers were affiliated with a gang with a broader network and were familiar with her routine.

This fact, he said, gave them an advantage of attacking and robbing her kiosk, which was near the police station, without fearing being caught by police.

’’I believe the criminals committing these atrocities are youth from our community who know their victims very well and even call them by their names before attacking them,’’ Senyonga said.

According to ASP Twaha Kasirye, the Greater Masaka Police spokesperson confirmed the incident and revealed that a manhunt for the culprits and investigations are underway.

Kasirye said that one John Nyanzi, a boda boda rider, has been arrested in Masaka City as a suspect involved in the incident.

’’Despite Nyanzi’s arrest, police are still on a manhunt for the other culprits, as questioning him is also underway,’’ Kasirye stated.

The police urged the mobile money and banking agents to adopt greater vigilance and alter their daily patterns to enhance their safety.

Maama Miracle was taken for admission at an ICU unit in a local hospital in Mitete.

In June 2024, police reported a marked increase in targeted attacks on mobile money agents and banking personnel across Uganda. The attacks typically involve follow-home robberies and direct assaults at business premises.