The Kampala Metropolitan Police East Region is actively investigating a heartbreaking robbery that led to the tragic death of two individuals, including Albert Cool Tugume Apuuli, the brother of Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura.
This shocking act of violence took place on the evening of November 21, 2024, around 8:00pm in Kiwatule Central Zone, Nakawa Division, within Kampala City.
Reports indicate that Tugume, a 34-year-old mobile money operator, was in the process of closing his shop when he was violently confronted by an assailant seeking to steal his cash.
According to Luke Owoyesiyire, the deputy spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Police, a boda boda rider named Sabiti Banabas, aged 30, attempted to intervene but was tragically shot by another armed individual lurking nearby.
In a desperate attempt to escape, Tugume was pursued and fatally shot by the attackers, who fled the scene with a bag believed to contain an undisclosed sum of money. Owoyesiyire confirmed that police investigators quickly arrived at the location, gathering crucial evidence to support the ongoing inquiry.
Additionally, a vehicle with the registration number UBH 045H was discovered damaged by stray bullets.
Banabas was promptly taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment for his gunshot wounds. Meanwhile, Tugume’s body has been transported to the City Mortuary at Mulago for a postmortem examination.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Tugume Albert during this challenging time,” Owoyesiyire expressed.
He emphasized the unwavering commitment of the Kampala Metropolitan Police to ensure that those responsible for this despicable act are brought to justice. He also urged anyone with information that could aid the investigation to step forward.
Nyanjura shared on her official X account that Tugume tried to escape from the armed assailants, but his efforts were in vain as they shot him three times.
They then fled the scene with his bag, which held cash, mobile agent lines, and bank agent machines.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen quickly hopped onto a waiting boda boda and sped away.
“A boda guy called Barnabas was shot while attempting to save my brother’s life, Barnabas we are told is at Mulago hospital receiving treatment, we are praying for his speedy recovery and we are forever indebted to him for his heroic act,” she wrote.
A church service for Tugume is scheduled for today, November 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM at St. Luke Church in Ntinda.
In the wake of the tragic news, Balam Barugahara, the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, expressed strong condemnation of the senseless and brutal killing of Tugume.
“This is devastating news . I strongly condemn the senseless and brutal murder of Tugume Albert Cook Apuuli.My heart goes out to you deputy lord mayor, entire family, friends, and loved ones. May Cook’s soul rest in eternal peace. I pray for the speedy recovery of Barnabas, the heroic Boda Boda rider who risked his life to save Cook. His bravery will never be forgotten. This heinous crime must be thoroughly investigated, and the perpetrators brought to justice. We must stand together against violence and protect our communities. May God comfort Cook’s family during this difficult time and may justice be served,” he wrote in his X page.
