Mobile Money Agent Fatally Shot in Omoro Robbery

Authorities in Omoro District are on the hunt for a group of armed individuals responsible for a violent robbery at a mobile money shop in Koch-Ongako Trading Centre. The incident, which occurred Wednesday evening just after 8:00 pm, resulted in the death of the agent, identified as Raymond Okello, and left two customers injured.

Witnesses reported that the attackers arrived on a motorcycle. Two individuals entered the shop located about 400 meters from the local police station, while a third waited outside. They initially pretended to be customers seeking to deposit money.

According to Alfred Ojok, a local bodaboda rider, the situation escalated when the suspects demanded cash. “The robber with the gun stood by the door and shot the agent multiple times,” Ojok recounted. “His accomplice went behind the counter and grabbed the money. The shots also injured the two other clients.”

Police confirmed that the assailants fled the scene with an undisclosed sum of money. The injured customers were transported to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor for medical attention. Despite a swift response and pursuit by law enforcement, the suspects managed to evade capture, with the trail going cold in Koch-Goma Town Council.

Omoro Resident District Commissioner Emmanuel Okot confirmed the incident and stated that security forces, including the police and UPDF soldiers, have launched a joint operation to apprehend the perpetrators. While preliminary arrests may have been made, details are being withheld to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation.

This incident highlights a recurring concern in northern Uganda, where mobile money operators and other cash-intensive businesses in trading centers have been increasingly targeted in recent years, often due to limited security measures during nighttime operations.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/gunmen-kill-agent-in-omoro-mobile-money-shop-attack—5484300