Boda Rider Shot Dead, Motorcycle Stolen in Arua

Police in the West Nile region are investigating two separate incidents of murder and aggravated robbery that occurred over the weekend in Arua City and Arua Rural District.

In the first incident, a boda boda rider identified as Natali Andima, a resident of Okabi Cell, Bura Ward, Aroi Sub-County in Arua City, was shot dead by unknown assailants on the night of September 27, 2025.

According to the West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Anguyo Jimmy Bayiga, Andima left his stage in Arua City after work and picked up fellow rider Adriko Robert so they could ride home together. On their way, they stopped at a local disco dance in Ajiriko Trading Center. After drinking, Andima took on an unidentified passenger, with Adriko choosing to ride along for safety since his friend was drunk.

However, the trio was ambushed by two armed men who opened fire, hitting Andima. Both Adriko and the passenger fled, leaving Andima behind. The attackers then took off with his motorcycle, a red Bajaj registration number UFR 275X.

The victim was rushed to Arua Regional Referral Hospital, where he died the following morning while undergoing surgery. Police recovered eight cartridges from the scene, and a postmortem was conducted.

SP Bayiga, said a case of murder and aggravated robbery has been registered at Ayivu East Police Division. He warned boda boda riders against drunk driving and urged them to be cautious about passengers they transport at night, noting that criminals often disguise themselves as customers.

In a separate case in Vuura Sub-County, Arua Rural District, a businessman was robbed of UGX 250 million in broad daylight at Ovisoni Trading Center after selling gold. The suspects, riding a motorcycle without registration plates, managed to escape despite a police pursuit that was hampered by poor road conditions.

Police have advised the public to avoid moving with large sums of money without security escort and to seek police assistance whenever necessary. They also appealed to the community to report any suspicious persons or share information that may aid in tracking down the perpetrators.

Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.