Govt imposter robs fuel station in daring morning heist

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DOKOLO - Like a scene from an American bank heist series, a man posing as an official from the Inspectorate of Government (IG) has stormed Dokolo Oil fuel station in broad daylight and made off with shillings six million after holding the manager at gunpoint.

One of the most audacious robberies to hit Dokolo town in recent weeks happened at about 8:30am on October 13, 2025, when the suspect, who identified himself as “Baine Mwesigye”, arrived at the station claiming to be inspecting government fuel usage by the district’s LC5 Chairperson and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

According to North Kyoga Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema, the suspect confidently signed the visitors’ book and demanded to see the records of fuel drawn by the two officials. When the station manager, Benard Olila, took him to the inner office where receipts and the safe were kept, the man followed him in, shut the door, and immediately pulled out a pistol.

He then taped the manager’s mouth, tied his hands, and ordered him to hand over cash from the safe. After collecting about Shs6 million, the imposter locked the manager inside the office and walked out calmly, disappearing before anyone realised what had happened.

“The attendants and the private security guard were all on duty but didn’t suspect anything unusual,” said Okema. “It was only when the manager started banging the door that they realised he had been robbed.”

The manager was later freed by colleagues, who confirmed seeing the smartly dressed suspect walking away moments earlier.

A case of aggravated robbery was registered at Dokolo Police Station. Police quickly arrived at the scene, and the crime scene was examined by the scene of crime officer (SOCO) and detectives have since launched a manhunt for the suspect.

However, Okema says the manager has been temporarily detained as investigations continue, due to inconsistencies in his statement.

Community alarmed

The incident comes just hours after another major break-in nearby, where unknown thugs stole over shillings 100 million from a business premise under mysterious circumstances.

Former district chairperson and managing director of Dokolo Oil, John Baptist Okello Okello, who also heads the Dokolo District Service Commission, expressed disbelief at how the robber easily gained access to the manager’s office.

“This man walked in broad daylight, in full view of the attendants and the guard,” Okello said. “It’s disturbing that such a thing could happen in the heart of town without anyone noticing.”

Police say the suspect’s method, posing as a government inspector and using official language to gain trust, points to a well-planned operation.

Police appeal for vigilance

Authorities have urged the public, especially business operators, to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a government officer and to request official identification cards.

They also advised businesses to install CCTV cameras, train staff to detect deception, and avoid keeping large sums of cash on site.

The daring daylight robbery has left residents of Dokolo anxious, as the district continues to grapple with a rising tide of burglaries, robberies, and violent crime that has shaken public confidence in local security.