Police in Mubende District have launched an intensive manhunt for unknown attackers who brutally murdered a Securico security guard and escaped with his official firearm during a violent raid on a coffee store in Kalonga Sub-county. Investigators are racing to recover the stolen rifle before it is used to commit other crimes.
The attack occurred at about 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Artica Coffee International stores in Kagavu LC1, Budibaga Parish. The deceased, identified as Joseph Mutegule, 40, was on duty guarding the facility when he was ambushed by the assailants.
According to preliminary police findings, the attackers assaulted Mutegule inside the room where he had been stationed before dragging him approximately 200 metres into a nearby bush. They then stole his rifle, registration number UG30373337E104297, together with three rounds of ammunition, and fled the scene.
A caretaker at the coffee store was alerted about the incident and immediately rushed to the scene. He found the guard critically injured and organised to take him to hospital for treatment. However, Mutegule died on the way before reaching the medical facility.
Police said the deceased had worked with Uganda Securico Company Limited for the past 15 years and had built a reputation as a committed and experienced security guard. His death has left colleagues and residents in shock.
The incident was reported to Kalonga Sub-county Police Station by Apollo Muhereza, a resident of Greater Kalonga LC1. Officers from Mubende Central Police Station, led by the District Police Commander, quickly responded and launched investigations.
A police canine unit was deployed to track the suspects, but the effort was unsuccessful because the crime scene had already been interfered with before investigators arrived. Detectives examined and documented the scene, collected evidence and recorded statements from witnesses.
The deceased’s body was later taken to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination as investigations into the murder continue.
Police are now working jointly with the Regional Flying Squad Unit to identify and arrest the attackers while also recovering the stolen firearm. Authorities warned that the missing rifle poses a serious security risk if it falls into the hands of criminals.
Wamala Regional Police spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi also cautioned private security companies against deploying guards alone at high-risk installations, saying single deployments make both the guards and the facilities they protect easy targets for armed criminals.
Police have appealed to residents of Kalonga Sub-county and the surrounding communities to remain calm and provide any information that could help investigators trace the suspects and recover the stolen gun. They say public cooperation will be crucial in bringing those responsible to justice.
