Uganda: Lecturer Fatally Attacked in Mbale Amidst Spate of City Violence

Residents of Mbale City are living in fear following a recent surge in violent attacks by panga-wielding thugs in the area.

The latest victim of these attacks is Gabriel Omulala, a lecturer at Kumi University and a resident of Kidongole Sub-County in Bukedea District. Omulala was fatally assaulted by two men on a motorcycle while on Nabuyonga Rise, succumbing to his injuries later at Mbale Hospital.

According to the police, the assailants robbed Omulala of his belongings and left him critically injured by multiple cuts to the head before fleeing towards Nkoma Stage.

Rogers Taitika, the Elgon Regional Police Spokesperson, disclosed that law enforcement officers have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, who have been responsible for a string of attacks over the past few weeks.

Residents have expressed grave concerns about the escalating insecurity in the city, with reports of multiple individuals being injured or killed by the assailants. Sam Bukuwa, a volunteer officer, was also attacked in the Namakwekwe Estate area and is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries.

Robert Kisesi, a city councillor, highlighted the community’s growing fear and called for urgent action from local authorities and the police to address the situation and restore safety.

However, police attributed the attacks to the lack of adequate lighting in the city, with many streetlights, including those at Nabuyonga Rise, not functioning.

In response to the escalating violence, residents have urged security agencies to increase their presence in affected areas, conduct thorough investigations, and apprehend the criminals responsible.

They have also called for the activation of community policing and emphasized the importance of addressing underlying factors such as poverty and peer group influences contributing to the crimes.

The recent arrests of two suspects and the recovery of a motorcycle belonging to the thugs have provided a glimmer of hope for residents, but they continue to advocate for sustained efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens in Mbale City.