Mobile Money Agent Shot Dead in Busia

Summary:

• A mobile money and banking agent in Busia District was fatally shot by unknown assailants who fled with cash, mobile phones, and keys. Eyewitnesses noted two individuals on a motorcycle committing the crime. Security lapses in the area have led to concerns over rising crime rates.

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On Monday night in Busia District, a mobile money and banking agent met a tragic end at the hands of unknown assailants who shot him before absconding with an undisclosed sum of money.

The victim, Rashid Kizza, 28, was fatally shot around 7:30 PM as he was closing his shop in Sofia ‘B’ village, Busia municipality, according to Busia Resident District Commissioner, Michael Kibwika.

“After the shooting, it appears the perpetrators fled with Kizza’s bag, which presumably contained cash, mobile phones, and keys to his shop and residence,” Kibwika informed the Monitor on Tuesday.

An eyewitness and friend of the deceased, Mr. Job Mutesa, recounted that two individuals on a motorcycle approached the shop, with one swiftly brandishing a concealed firearm wrapped in cloth and firing at close range, fatally wounding Kizza.

A nearby vegetable vendor noted seeing two suspicious figures clad in black jackets prior to the incident but couldn’t provide detailed descriptions.

The criminals quickly fled towards Kenya on a getaway motorcycle, as stated by Sofia ‘B’ village defense secretary, Michael Kabogoza.

Despite efforts to rush Kizza to Busia Health Centre IV, he succumbed to his injuries before reaching medical assistance, according to responder Ms. Jalia Naigaga.

Councilor Bashir Wanyama of Sofia municipality suggested that the criminals exploited ongoing police operations in the area. He remarked on the recent decline in security, noting a surge in street violence and machete attacks by criminal gangs.

Busia Mayor Sadiki Amin voiced concerns over security lapses, attributing them to a recent spate of tragedies including a fatal fire at Victory Primary School and the murders of two motorcycle taxi riders preceding Kizza’s killing. He emphasized the urgent need for improved security measures in the border town.

With inputs from Daily Monitor

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