Residents of Bugoba Village in Goma Division, Mukono Municipality, are living in fear following the brutal killing of a prominent medical worker, prompting urgent calls for security agencies to restore order in the area.
The deceased has been identified as Peter Mubiru, a highly skilled and widely respected radiographer who was attached to several health facilities across Mukono.
Mubiru was attacked on Monday night by unknown assailants who reportedly struck him with a heavy paver stone. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Mengo Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday morning.
The shocking incident has sent waves of grief through the community and the medical fraternity, with colleagues describing Mubiru as an irreplaceable professional in a field already grappling with a shortage of specialists.
A visit to the scene of the crime paints a grim picture of growing insecurity.
Residents say the area has increasingly become a hotspot for criminal activity, especially after dark. According to locals, the same spot where Mubiru was attacked has claimed at least three other lives in recent months.
“This place turns into a death trap at night,” one resident said. “Thugs hide in the darkness and ambush unsuspecting pedestrians. We are no longer safe.”
In response to the rising insecurity, residents have resorted to organizing night vigils and prayers at a nearby abandoned Born-again church. They are now calling for the church to be reopened, arguing that its current deserted state has made it a convenient hideout for criminals who launch attacks on passers-by under the cover of darkness.
Wandera John, a boda-boda rider operating at Senkatuuka stage, linked the surge in crime to the recent eviction of street vendors from Mukono’s main roads. He believes the move inadvertently contributed to reduced human activity and surveillance at night, creating an enabling environment for criminals.
“Ever since vendors were removed, the streets are empty and unsafe,” Wandera said. “We now operate in constant fear because there are fewer people around, and criminals take advantage of that.”
The killing has also dealt a significant blow to the health sector in Mukono. Medical workers, including David Wamaani, who previously worked with Mubiru, expressed deep sorrow, noting that the country already faces a critical shortage of radiography specialists.
“We have lost a very important person,” Wamaani said. “Radiographers are few in Uganda, and replacing someone of Mubiru’s experience and dedication will not be easy.”
Local leadership has acknowledged the gravity of the situation. Billy Ssematimba, the LC1 chairperson of Bugoba Village, confirmed the incident and attributed the insecurity to a combination of poorly managed abandoned structures and inadequate lighting in the area.
“We have many empty buildings that are not monitored, and most homes do not have security lights on their fences,” Ssematimba explained. “This leaves the entire stretch in total darkness, making it easy for criminals to operate.”
Residents are now appealing to security authorities in Mukono District to intensify patrols, ensure abandoned properties are secured, and enforce the installation of security lighting to deter further attacks.
As the community mourns Peter Mubiru, the tragedy has become a stark reminder of the growing security concerns in peri-urban areas, and the urgent need for coordinated action to prevent further loss of life.
