Yumbe, Uganda – December 26, 2025

A traveller arriving from Kampala was ambushed and robbed by a group of approximately 15 armed assailants in the heart of Yumbe Town in the early hours of December 26, 2025, police have reported.

The incident occurred around midnight along Nile Street in Odiga Cell, Yumbe Town Council, Yumbe District, shortly after the victim disembarked from a Friendship Bus.

According to the police incident report, the victim was surrounded by the gang, who were wielding pangas, sticks, and stones. The suspects assaulted him and stole valuables including a black HP laptop worth UGX 500,000, a Mobigo smartphone valued at UGX 1,200,000, two Itel button phones worth UGX 65,000 each, a National ID card, driving license, four ATM cards, and a power bank—all contained in a backpack.

The victim raised an alarm, attracting a security guard from Ultimate Security Limited stationed at nearby Omia Agribusiness Shop. When the guard intervened, the suspects turned aggressive, stoning him and brandishing pangas. In self-defense, the guard fired one round from his rifle, injuring one of the assailants in the lower right ribs and right arm.

The gang fled the scene, abandoning a panga at the site. Police patrol teams responded promptly, recovering the panga and securing the guard’s rifle (serial number UG PSO SAR 12116494, code 02285) along with one spent cartridge and four live rounds.

The injured suspect, identified as Guma Anywari, an 18-year-old peasant farmer residing in Parikale Cell, Bilewu Ward, Yumbe Town Council, was rushed to Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital for treatment. He remains in custody as investigations continue under case reference YBE CRB: 724/2025 for aggravated robbery.

The remaining approximately 14 suspects are still at large.

North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SP Asea Collins urged community members and local leaders to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of the fugitives. “We encourage parents to guide their children and discourage criminal acts, especially during this festive season,” he added.

Police visited the scene, documented evidence, and recorded witness statements. Investigations are ongoing, with updates promised as developments arise.

This incident highlights growing concerns over night-time security in Yumbe Town during the holiday period.

Written by

Andrew Ogwang

Andrew Ogwang is a dedicated Ugandan journalist based in the Northern Region, with a focus on economic reporting, current affairs, and social issues affecting the country. Ogwang has contributed to several local media outlets, including print and digital platforms like The Northern Press, where he has covered topics ranging from policy developments and community stories to investigative pieces on development challenges in Uganda.