By Our Reporter
SOROTI CITY
In a shocking turn of events on Good Friday, a 32-year-old mobile money operator was tragically shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in Soroti City. The incident occurred early this morning and has since been classified by local authorities as a case of aggravated robbery and murder.
According to reports filed at Soroti Central Police Station under CRM 47/2026, the East Kyoga Police have launched an investigation into this violent crime, which unfolded at Teso Coach along Station Road, close to Goalman Supermarket.
Around 4:40 AM, Patricia Kokunda, the victim, was ambushed by the armed attackers shortly after she boarded a taxi heading to Ocorimongin Cattle Market in Katakwi District.
SSP Ibrahim Saiga, the regional police commander, revealed that the assailants, wielding a rifle and riding a motorcycle without a license plate, forcibly dragged her out of the taxi and stole an undisclosed sum of money.
Tragically, during the attack, Kokunda sustained gunshot wounds and later succumbed to her injuries at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital.
In the aftermath of the incident, police arrived swiftly to secure the crime scene and collect evidence. Surveillance footage has been reviewed, leading to the apprehension of two suspects who are currently assisting with the investigation.
SSP Saiga also emphasized the ongoing efforts of the police to identify any additional accomplices involved in the crime and to recover both the stolen money and the firearm used.
The police have issued a strong condemnation of this heinous act, assuring the community that they are taking steps to enhance the safety and security of all citizens.
The Police strongly condemn this act of violence and reassure the public of continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of all members of the public.
“We also urge individuals, especially those dealing in large sums of cash, to exercise heightened security precautions and cooperate with law enforcement,” Saiga said.
As of the time this information was gathered, the body of the deceased remained at the hospital mortuary. Family members had chosen not to engage with the media, overwhelmed by their sorrow.
The issue of violence against mobile money agents remains a critical concern, with reports indicating that over 62 violent incidents against these operators were recorded across the country by late 2025, including more than 20 in Wakiso District.
Attacks frequently involved armed gangs using guns or machetes, often targeting agents at night or at their homes.
In 2025, robbery offences increased significantly, with thugs making off with property valued at UGX 548 billion, of which only 1% was recovered.
Some of the Mobile Money perators/agents killed in 2025, according to reported incidents in police.
Patricia Nambooze (aka Tricia): Killed in January 2026 (based on news reporting covering early 2026 events) by machete-wielding thugs while returning home in Nabweru, after she reportedly refused to hand over a bag with agent phones.
Peter Ssekamatte (or Ssekamate Derrick): A well-known mobile money operator in Kirowooza, Mukono Municipality, shot and killed during a night raid on November 5, 2025.
Rose Kyamazima: A mobile money agent killed on July 28, 2025, in Nansana East I ‘B’ Zone, Wakiso District, by three men riding a motorcycle.
Nakiwolo Sophia (28): A mobile money and bank agent at Nkrumah Road, Kampala, who was stabbed to death on June 28, 2025. Her co-worker was later arrested in connection with the crime.
Emmanuel Opusi: An agent who was gunned down near the residence of the Jinja Resident City Commissioner (RCC) on February 4, 2025.
Two Unnamed Operators: Police reported that two mobile money/retail traders were killed by masked gunmen in the Kasangati and Kakiri areas earlier in 2025.
Police have advised agents to strengthen security measures, such as hiring private security, limiting late-night transactions, and changing their daily routes to reduce robbery risks.
