Last Updated 12 minutes ago by tnd News, Uganda
Agago | The fatal shooting of a mobile money operator in Agago district has once again raised concerns about violent crime targeting small business owners in northern Uganda, particularly those who handle cash transactions.
The victim, identified as Ocana Morish, 39, a businessman and resident of Akado West Cell in Kalongo Town Council, was reportedly attacked and shot dead by unknown armed assailants on the night of June 9 and the attackers allegedly fled with an unspecified amount of money.
According to police, the incident occurred at about 8:27 p.m. near Ocana’s mobile money business. His body was later discovered about 100 metres from the shop with fatal gunshot wounds.
The Aswa East regional police PRO, IP Joe Oloya, confirmed that investigators recovered five cartridges from the scene and have opened a case of murder by shooting and aggravated robbery.
The killing has shocked residents of Kalongo Town Council, where Ocana was widely known as a hardworking entrepreneur who served hundreds of customers through his mobile money and financial services business.
As investigations continue, the tragedy has reignited debate about the security challenges facing entrepreneurs, traders and mobile money operators, many of whom handle large sums of cash and remain vulnerable to criminal attacks.
Mobile money operators under growing threat
Over the past decade, mobile money services have transformed access to financial services across Uganda, particularly in rural communities where formal banking remains limited.
However, the sector’s rapid growth has also attracted criminals seeking quick access to cash.
Security experts note that mobile money operators face unique risks because they routinely handle significant amounts of money, often from premises with limited security infrastructure.
Many businesses close late in the evening when visibility is poor and police patrols are less frequent, increasing vulnerability to robbery attacks.
Across many trading centres in northern Uganda, mobile money agents remain among the few businesses conducting daily cash transactions, making them attractive targets for criminals monitoring their movements.
Ocana’s killing comes at a time when police statistics indicate an overall decline in crime nationwide.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, the country registered 196,405 criminal cases in 2025, down from 218,715 cases in 2024, representing a 10.2 per cent reduction in reported crime.
Despite the decline, violent crimes such as robbery and murder continue to claim lives across the country.
The report recorded 7,863 robbery cases nationwide in 2025, making robbery one of the most significant categories of violent crime handled by police.
It also shows that 4,328 people were murdered during the year, an average of nearly 12 deaths every day. Of these, 190 victims were killed in shooting incidents.
Nationally, criminals stole property worth approximately Shs2.5 trillion in 2025. Robbery-related offences alone accounted for losses estimated at Shs548 billion, with only a small fraction of the stolen property recovered.
Aswa East among regions of concern
For northern Uganda, the report highlights continuing challenges related to violent crime.
Data from the 2025 Annual Crime Report places Aswa East among the regions that recorded notable cases of murder by shooting.
Agago District alone registered eight such cases during the reporting period, ranking among the districts with the highest number of shooting-related murders nationally.
The report also identifies Aswa East among regions with relatively high numbers of murders linked to domestic violence and other violent crimes.
Security analysts say these figures underscore the need for continued investment in crime prevention, intelligence gathering and community policing across northern Uganda.
In Kalongo town council, residents say Ocana’s killing has heightened fears among traders.
“When a person can be attacked and killed near his workplace, it creates fear among all business people,” said Okot James, a resident and businessman in Kalongo.
Okot added that “many of us move with cash because banking services are far away. We need stronger security patrols.”
He added that traders contribute significantly to local economic growth and therefore deserve greater protection.
“Our businesses support families and create jobs. Security agencies must help us feel safe while earning a living,” he said.
For women operating businesses in trading centres, the concerns are equally serious.
“When a breadwinner is killed, the whole family suffers and children may drop out of school and businesses collapse, hence we need security because we are working hard to improve our lives,” said Ayaa Jackline, a produce trader in Kalongo market.
She urged community members to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious individuals and activities.
Calls for stronger protection
Police have appealed to the public to provide information that could help identify and arrest those responsible for Ocana’s killing.
Security experts argue that while police investigations are critical, communities also have a role to play in preventing crime.
Neighbourhood watch initiatives, improved street lighting, CCTV surveillance and stronger information-sharing between residents and security agencies have all been cited as effective measures for reducing criminal activity.
Investigators are particularly interested in reviewing CCTV footage from the deceased’s business premises, which could provide crucial leads in tracking down the attackers.
As investigations continue, residents remember Ocana as a hardworking businessman whose death reflects a broader challenge facing many entrepreneurs across Uganda.
His killing is a stark reminder that despite improvements in national crime statistics, violent robberies continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
For many business owners in northern Uganda, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger security measures, increased vigilance and closer collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies.
As police hunt for the suspects, residents of Kalongo hope justice will not only bring closure to one grieving family but also restore confidence in efforts to make their communities safer.
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