MUKONO — Police in Mukono District have launched investigations into a violent armed robbery at a fuel station that left two workers injured and a firearm stolen during a night attack.
The robbery occurred in the early hours of Friday when armed assailants reportedly stormed the fuel station, overpowered guards on duty, and escaped with a gun and approximately Shs350,000 in cash from overnight fuel sales.
The injured victims were identified as Patrick Aliki, a security guard attached to Ultimate Security Ltd, and Brian Sentubwe, a pump attendant at the station.
Both sustained injuries during the confrontation and were rushed to a nearby health facility for treatment.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the attackers operated as a group and used force to overpower the guards before accessing the station’s cash office and fleeing with the firearm.
Mukono District Police spokesperson Hellen Butoto said police had opened investigations and launched a manhunt for the suspects.
“This was a violent attack on innocent workers. We are pursuing the suspects and working to recover the firearm. Anyone with information should report to the nearest police station,” ASP Butoto said.
Witnesses described the raid as swift and highly coordinated.
One eyewitness, Rasuud Bazibu, said the attackers appeared suddenly and gave workers little opportunity to resist.
“They just appeared, overpowered the guards and disappeared in a short time. It was very frightening,” Bazibu said.
Police forensic teams later visited the scene and collected evidence as investigators reviewed possible surveillance footage that could assist in identifying the attackers.
Authorities say preliminary findings suggest the suspects may have had prior knowledge of the fuel station’s night operations.
Security agencies have expressed concern over the stolen firearm, warning that such weapons are often used in subsequent criminal activities if not quickly recovered.
Mukono District has in recent years registered several similar attacks targeting fuel stations, raising concerns about the vulnerability of businesses operating at night.
Security experts say fuel stations are frequently targeted because they handle cash transactions, often operate with limited personnel, and follow predictable routines.
Police said investigations were ongoing and indicated that additional security measures could be considered in high-risk commercial areas as efforts to track down the suspects continue.