Three shot after drunk man attempts to disarm security guards at Arua ATM

Three people are nursing gunshot wounds following a confrontation between a private security guard and a man accused of attempting to disarm him at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at an Equity Bank Uganda branch in Arua on Friday.

The injured were identified as Harriet Asara, 22, and Joan Hope, 18, both residents of Ayivu Division, as well as Prince Johnson Angutoko, 36, a resident of Academy Cell in Awindiri Ward, Central Division.

According to the 4th Infantry Division Public Information Officer, Capt David Kamya, Angutoko, who was allegedly intoxicated, disrupted customers accessing the ATM and attempted to disarm a security guard attached to Saracen Uganda Limited.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the man, who is suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol, disrupted customers accessing the Automated Teller Machine and allegedly threatened to disarm the guards, claiming he had superior training,” Capt Kamya said in a statement on Saturday.

He said the confrontation escalated after Angutoko allegedly advanced towards the guards despite warning shots being fired into the air.

“When the individual allegedly continued to advance, one of the guards fired a shot that struck him in the left thigh,” Capt Kamya said.

Police said the bullet also struck two bystanders during the incident.

“The bullet is also reported to have struck Harriet Asara, 22, a resident of Ayivu Division, and Joan Hope, 18, a student from the same area,” he added.

All three injured persons were rushed to Arua Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.

Security agencies, including the Uganda People's Defence Forces and the Uganda Police Force, have launched investigations into the shooting.

Authorities said the firearm involved, registration number UG Pol 2583108609, was recovered and retained as evidence.