Residents of Manja Village, Kyengera, are demanding stronger security after businessman Derisa Ssekandi was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants as he arrived home with his wife and son.
Residents of Manja Village in Nsangi Sub-county, Kyengera Town Council, are living in fear after businessman Derisa Ssekandi was shot dead by unknown assailants as he returned home at night.
Ssekandi, who dealt in chicken feed, was reportedly shot at about 10pm while travelling in a vehicle with his wife, Falidah Nanyonjo, and their son, Wasswa Abdul Shakuuru.
According to the family, the assailants, who were riding a motorcycle, had followed them before launching the attack at their home.
The family said the attackers waited as they arrived and parked at the gate, then opened fire on the side of the vehicle where Ssekandi was seated.
“As we were waiting for the gate to be opened, we suddenly heard gunshots directed at the side of the vehicle where the deceased was seated. The bullets went through the car window,” family members recounted.
The assailants reportedly fled after shooting Ssekandi dead without taking any of the family's belongings, leaving relatives and residents questioning the motive behind the killing.
His wife, Nanyonjo, said the family had previously experienced incidents in which suspected robbers followed them, but the latest attack was different because it ended in a fatal shooting.
“We have often been followed by thieves, but we have never experienced anything like this. This time, the situation turned deadly,” she said.
The killing has heightened security concerns among residents and local leaders, who are calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and identify those responsible.
Village chairperson Stanley Mukasa expressed concern over the incident and urged authorities to take measures to protect residents from violent attacks.
At Ssekandi's workplace in Kitemu, traders and neighbouring residents said they were shocked by his death and called for a thorough investigation.
“We were deeply shocked when we heard that our colleague had been killed. We appeal to the security agencies to do everything possible to identify and arrest those responsible,” residents said.
Mathias Walukagga, a former parliamentary candidate in the area, described the killing as part of a worrying pattern of violent crime in the country.
He also urged people who can afford it to install security cameras at their homes, saying the footage could help investigators identify suspects and gather evidence.
“People who have the financial means should consider installing security cameras at their homes. These can help investigators gather evidence and identify those involved in criminal activities,” Walukagga said.
Kyengera Town Council Mayor Joseph Bitokote said violent crime had persisted in parts of the municipality, particularly in the Kyayi area.
He sympathised with the bereaved family and called on police to conduct thorough investigations and bring those responsible to justice.
“I sympathise with the family over this tragic loss. I urge the police to investigate the incident, arrest the suspects and ensure that they are brought before the courts of law,” Bitokote said.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed that investigations had started.
“We have started investigations into this incident. We appeal to the family to remain calm as we do everything possible to ensure that the suspects are arrested,” Kawala said.
The motive behind Ssekandi's killing remains unclear, and police investigations are ongoing.