Fort Portal businessman attacked with acid

Oct 26, 2009

THE Police in Fort Portal are hunting for unknown thugs, who attacked a businessman with acid and stole his money. Francis Basaliza was admitted to Virika Mission Hospital on Wednesday night after the attack at his shop in Kitumba trading centre on Kabaro

By Hope Mafaranga and Jude Kafuuma

THE Police in Fort Portal are hunting for unknown thugs, who attacked a businessman with acid and stole his money. Francis Basaliza was admitted to Virika Mission Hospital on Wednesday night after the attack at his shop in Kitumba trading centre on Kabarole-Kyenjojo road.

Basaliza said the incident happened at around 1:00am on Wednesday, while he was locking his shop to go home. “I was locking my shop when I heard someone calling my name from one of the corners of the building. When I responded and turned to see who the person was, I just felt a burning liquid substance on my face,” Basaliza said.

“I knew it was acid when my shirt got burnt. I could not breathe normally. I shouted and my staff came to my rescue.” On Wednesday morning, Basaliza was transferred to Mulago Hospital in the acid and burns ward.

“I was carrying a container with air-time worth sh1m and about sh800,000 in cash. It seems their target was money because after the attack, they made-off with the container and other goods from the shop,” Basaliza said.

“The situation has improved since he was attacked on Wednesday, but we hope to stay here until he fully recovers,” said his attendant only identified as Anyire.

Western region Police commander Wilson Kwanya condemned the act, saying it was due to the excessive drug abuse in the region. Basaliza’s wife, Cotilda, said this was the third time assailants have attacked her husband.

The Police are investigating the motive of the attack.

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