Two security guards were killed in a brutal machete attack during a robbery at CHARD Energy petrol station in Kazinga Village, Mukono District, early Thursday morning.
The incident occurred around 4 a.m. when unknown assailants stormed the station along Katosi Road. The victims, Deo Ssenabulya, 65, and Enyati Joseph, 19, both employees of HANK Security Services, were attacked while asleep.
Eyewitnesses say the attackers used machetes to kill the guards before breaking into the station office and stealing an unspecified amount of cash. Blood was found throughout the premises, with some comparing the scene to a slaughterhouse.
Security forces from the Uganda Police and UPDF responded swiftly, sealing off the area and launching a manhunt. A gun taken from one of the slain guards was later found abandoned near a railway line, about a kilometer away.
Station manager Richard Kiguli said the attackers might have used a fake fuel request to trick staff into opening the station. “Someone pretended to be a customer, and that’s how they got access. Our policy requires staff to be accompanied by guards at night,” Kiguli explained.
He added that the stolen firearm was used to threaten other workers during the robbery.
Local leaders expressed concern over rising insecurity. Village chairman Benedicto Kiwanuka said machete-wielding gangs were resurfacing. “We had some peace, but these gangs seem to be back,” he said.
Residents are demanding increased police patrols and stronger action against idle youth and gambling. Edward Kisubika, a resident, blamed local authorities for failing to act. “People gamble day and night, and no one stops them,” he said.
The bodies of the victims were taken to Mulago Hospital mortuary. Police investigations continue.