Summary:
The deceased, identified as Mark Akampurira, a resident of Nyakina village, Buyanja Sub County, was armed with an AK-47 rifle loaded with 28 rounds of ammunition.
RUKUNGIRI: A suspected armed robber was killed by a mob on Tuesday after robbing Shs 8 million from a businessman at gunpoint in Rukungiri District.
The deceased, identified as Mark Akampurira, a resident of Nyakina village, Buyanja Sub County, was armed with an AK-47 rifle loaded with 28 rounds of ammunition.
According to Rukungiri police, Akampurira’s identity was confirmed through a copy of his National ID found in his wallet.
The incident occurred at around 8:30 PM when a concerned citizen alerted the Officer in Charge of the Field Force Unit (FFU) at Rukungiri Central Police Station, IP Tukamwesiga Nicholas, about a mob action on Karegyesa Road in Rukungiri town. The report indicated that unidentified armed robbers were involved.
Police swiftly responded to the scene and found Akampurira’s lifeless body lying in a pool of blood beside an AK-47 rifle.
Kigezi Region Police spokesperson Elly Maate stated that the rifle, identified as UG POL 565810907-27608, had been stolen from No. 70464 PC Adriko Benard on January 19, 2025.
The officer had been on duty near Kabale University – Rukungiri Branch in Nyakaina Cell, Nyakaina Ward, Buyanja Town Council, when the firearm was taken by unknown assailants.
According to Maate, Akampurira and two accomplices, armed with a single rifle, targeted Agaba Kenneth’s hardware shop, robbing Shs 8 million at gunpoint. During the robbery, they fired a single shot, but no one was injured. However, the gun jammed immediately after the shot.
As the suspects struggled with the malfunctioning weapon, they attempted to flee. Alert local residents quickly gave chase, capturing Akampurira, who was lynched by the mob. His accomplice, believed to be his brother, managed to escape and is currently on the run.
The deceased’s body was taken to Rwakabengo Health Center III mortuary for a postmortem examination. Maate commended the bravery of the local residents and urged the public to always report such incidents promptly to aid crime prevention.
He confirmed that investigations are ongoing and efforts are underway to arrest the second suspect and bring him to justice
