Unknown assailants armed with machetes and a hammer have robbed a businessman of sh30.6 million #along the Nebbi-Paidah Road. The robbery occurred on Thursday at around 5:45 am in Pawung Bida Cell, Central Division, Nebbi Municipality.
According to preliminary reports, Emmanuel Tumwine, a businessman from Wakiso District, was traveling alone in his vehicle with registration number UBP 631D from Paidah to Panyimur. Upon reaching Jukia Hill, he was ambushed by assailants riding motorcycles. The attackers used a panga and a hammer to forcibly break into Tumwine’s vehicle, injuring him in the process and then stole the money before fleeing the scene.
Collins Asea, the acting West Nile Region police spokesperson, confirmed the details, stating, “Upon reaching Jukia Hill along the Nebbi-Paida road, he was ambushed by unknown armed assailants on motorcycles. The attackers used a panga and a hammer to forcibly break into his vehicle. The suspects then made away with the victim’s money before fleeing the scene.”
Asea reported that Nebbi police responded promptly to the incident and have deployed the canine unit to assist in tracking the suspects. He advised the public to exercise caution when transporting large sums of money. “It is advisable to use safer means of transporting significant amounts of cash, such as bank transfers or electronic methods. If carrying cash is unavoidable, individuals should avoid traveling alone, especially during early or late hours, and should seek police escort services where necessary,” Asea added.
As of the latest update, Emmanuel Tumwine is receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility in Nebbi Municipality. This incident follows a recent increase in highway robberies along the Arua-Nebbi Highway, where thugs have exploited pothole-infested areas to target vehicles, especially bus booths and trucks, which are slowed down by the ditches.