By Mike Rwothomio
ARUA
Police in Ayivu West Division, Arua City, are investigating an incident in which an angry mob killed and set ablaze two suspected armed robbers who allegedly attempted to rob a Congolese businessman on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
The incident occurred at around 3pm in Kawua Cell, Etori Ward, Ayivu West Division, near the Uganda-DR Congo border.
According to police, the suspects allegedly trailed the unidentified Congolese national from Arua City centre on a motorcycle after he had sold his gold and was heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The suspects reportedly opened fire at the businessman and his boda boda rider when they reached Kawua Cell, shooting the rider in one leg. However, the rider reportedly continued into Congo while raising an alarm.
Police spokesperson for West Nile Region, SSP Josephine Angucia, said civilians who responded to the gunshots descended on the suspected robbers, beat them to death, recovered their AK-47 rifle and set their bodies and motorcycle ablaze.
Police officers who responded to the scene recovered a rusted AK-47 rifle with 17 rounds of live ammunition, one spent cartridge and remains of the burnt motorcycle.
The two bodies, which were burnt beyond recognition, were taken to Arua Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for examination and further identification by relatives.
In a statement, Angucia said, “As investigations continue, we commend the community of Etori Ward for their brave act of arresting and recovering AK-47 gun with 17 rounds of live ammunitions from suspected armed robbers, though we condemn the act of taking law into their hands by summarily executing them.”
She appealed to members of the public to identify the deceased at Arua Regional Referral Hospital mortuary to facilitate further burial arrangements.
Police have registered cases of attempted aggravated robbery and murder by mob under Ayivu West Division CRB 206/2026, as investigations continue.
