By Our Reporter
A wave of fear has swept through Muramba Sub-county in Kisoro District after a violent robbery left a shop attendant hospitalized with a gunshot wound and Shs23 million stolen in a daring night-time raid by gunmen disguised in police uniforms.
The attack occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Mugomberero Trading Centre in Rushenyi Village, when four armed men stormed the shop of businessman Michael Turinayo. The victim, 30-year-old Kenneth Mucunguzi, was shot in the right arm after attempting to resist the robbers, who fired multiple rounds into the air to disperse bystanders.
According to Kigezi region police spokesperson Elly Maate, the robbers made off with about Shs23 million and disappeared into the night. “We recovered nine cartridge casings from the scene,” Maate said. “A case of aggravated robbery and attempted murder has been opened at Kisoro Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.”
Witnesses claim the attackers were dressed in police uniforms, heightening alarm among residents who now fear that criminals may be impersonating law enforcement to carry out violent robberies undetected.
“This raises very serious concerns,” said shop owner Michael Turinayo. “If criminals are now posing as police officers, it becomes difficult to trust anyone during these night-time incidents.”
Kisoro District LCV Chairperson Abel Bizimana condemned the attack and urged the district security committee to act swiftly. “We cannot allow this kind of violence to take root in our community,” he said. “Kisoro has largely been peaceful despite the proximity to conflict areas across the border in the DRC.”
Local leaders, including Rushenyi Village LCI Chairperson Fred Ndagije, blamed the incident on the lack of adequate security and night patrols. “There are too many blind spots in our rural communities. These gaps are what criminals are exploiting,” Ndagije noted.
Mucunguzi was rushed to Kisoro Hospital, where he is receiving treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
As investigations continue, residents are calling for increased police presence, surveillance, and community vigilance to prevent further armed attacks in the region.
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