Student clings to car bonnet as robbers flee with sh11m in Lira

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A university student, desperate to stop suspected robbers from escaping with sh11 million, jumped onto the bonnet of their getaway vehicle, smashed its windscreen and clung on while raising an alarm, triggering a dramatic chase that ended in Kole district.

The incident, which happened in broad daylight, has raised concerns about the safety of people withdrawing large sums of money from banks and the possibility of criminals targeting customers using information about their financial transactions.

The victim, identified as Francis Ogwal, 32, a student at Uganda Martyrs University, Ngetta Campus in Lira city, was allegedly robbed of sh11 million shortly after withdrawing the money from a bank on November 5, 2026.

According to Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson and acting public relations officer for the Aswa West and Aswa East regions, Ogwal had been sent by his father, Bosco Ogwang, to withdraw money from the bank.

Police said Ogwal first withdrew sh20 million from Stanbic Bank, which was received by his brother, Amos Ojok. He subsequently proceeded to KCB Bank, where he withdrew another Sh11 million.

However, as he approached Mama Supermarket in Lira city at about 11 am, three unidentified people, including a woman travelling in a Toyota Rumion, registration number UBR 845U, allegedly confronted him and grabbed the Sh11 million.

The suspects reportedly sped off towards Kampala Road, prompting Ogwal to pursue them in an attempt to recover the money.

In a dramatic turn of events, the student jumped onto the bonnet of the fleeing vehicle, smashed its windscreen and held on while shouting for help.

The chase continued towards Otangula village in Kole district, where the vehicle eventually stopped as members of the community pursued it.

The suspects reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, prompting residents to launch a search.

During the pursuit, an angry mob reportedly apprehended a woman suspected of hiding in nearby bushes. She was arrested and taken to Lira City West Division Police Station for further management.

Two other male suspects were subsequently arrested in Aboke, Kole district, and detained at Aboke Police Station pending their transfer to Lira City West Division for further investigations.

Okema said police had registered a case file at Lira City West Division and visited the scene under the command of the Divisional Police Commander.

The recovered vehicle was towed to the police station as an exhibit. However, police said it had been vandalised by an angry mob.

Statements were obtained from relevant witnesses, while Ogwal was issued with a police medical examination form.

Despite the arrests, the sh11 million had not been recovered by the time of the police statement.

Police suspect the attackers could have obtained information about the victim's bank transactions from someone familiar with his movements or financial dealings.

Okema urged members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly when withdrawing or transporting large sums of money, and cautioned against exposing details of their financial transactions.

He said police would pursue the investigation to ensure the money was recovered and those responsible brought to justice.

The incident adds to concerns about the vulnerability of bank customers to suspected criminals who may monitor their movements and target them shortly after cash withdrawals.