Mbale City, Uganda – A tragic incident unfolded in Mbale’s Northern Division on Wednesday, leaving two people dead after a violent robbery attempt turned fatal. The victims have been identified as 18-year-old Jane Nambuya and 17-year-old Muhammad, one of her alleged attackers, who was later lynched by an enraged mob.
According to reports, the incident occurred on June 11, 2025 , at approximately 11:30 AM in Busajabwankuba Cell, Namunsi Ward . Nambuya, a homemaker, was returning from buying charcoal when she was ambushed by two youths who demanded her smartphone. When she resisted, one of the assailants, identified as Muhammad, slashed her neck with a panga, killing her instantly. The attackers fled with her phone but were pursued by locals .
Enraged residents nearby chased down Muhammad, apprehending him just meters from the crime scene. Upon searching him, they found the deceased’s phone and a blood-stained panga in his possession. In a swift act of vigilante justice, the mob beat him to death before police could intervene.
Elgon Region Police Spokesperson Rogers Taitika confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing to identify the second suspect still at large.
“We regret the loss of life in this incident, and we strongly condemn mob justice. The law should be allowed to take its course,” Taitika said. “We urge the public to always hand over suspects to the police for proper legal action.”
The brutal killing has left residents in shock, with many calling for increased security in the area. Nambuya’s family is devastated, describing her as a hardworking young woman whose life was cut short senselessly.
Authorities have recovered both bodies and are working to piece together the full sequence of events. Meanwhile, police have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further violence.
