Security Guard Arrested After Shooting Three People at Equity Bank in Arua City

Police in Arua City are investigating a shooting incident involving a private security guard that left three people injured at Equity Bank in Arua City.

The incident occurred on May 15, 2026, at around 9:30 a.m. at Equity Bank branch located along Arua City Avenue Road in Gurua Cell, Bazaar Ward, Central Division.

According to police, the suspect has been identified as Banduga Vicent, a 56-year-old security guard attached to Saracen Uganda Ltd and a resident of Alivu Cell, Driwala Ward in Ayivu West Division, Arua City.

The victims were identified as Angutoko Prince Johnson, 36, a resident of Academy Cell in Awindiri Ward; Asara Harriet, 22, a self-employed resident of Surusoni Cell in Adalafu Ward; and Hope John, an 18-year-old student from Etori Ward, Ayivu West Division.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the security guard was on duty at the entrance of the bank together with a colleague while holding a scanner and a firearm. Police say the guard noticed a man allegedly causing disorder among clients lining up at the ATM section of the bank.

The guard reportedly approached the man and asked him to stop disrupting the line, but the man allegedly became abusive and threatened to disarm the guard, claiming he was more trained than him.

According to the police statement, the man continued causing disorder, prompting the security guard to confront him for a second time. The situation reportedly escalated when the man aggressively moved toward the guard, leading the guard to fire warning shots in the air.

However, the man allegedly continued advancing toward the guard, prompting the suspect to shoot him in the left thigh. Police say the bullet later strayed and injured two other female victims who were nearby.

Police officers from Arua City Central Business Division responded to the scene, documented evidence, and recorded witness statements to support investigations.

The three injured victims were rushed to Arua Regional Referral Hospital for medical treatment, and Police Form 3 was issued to facilitate medical examination.

The suspect, Banduga Vicent, was immediately arrested to assist with investigations, while the firearm used in the shooting was recovered and exhibited as evidence.

Speaking on the matter, West Nile Region Police spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia urged members of the public to avoid provoking armed security personnel while on duty.

“Provocation of armed security officers on duty has been a common scenario in our communities. We appeal to the general public to respect armed officers deployed to perform their lawful duties and avoid provoking them in order to prevent such deadly incidents,” SSP Angucia said.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing under Arua City Central Business Division CRB 340/2026.