By Hubaidi Mwanje
A suspected phone thief was left unconscious after being severely beaten by an angry mob at Kansanga KCCA Grounds in Kansanga-Nabutiti Parish on Wednesday afternoon.
The suspect, identified only as Jimmy and believed to be about 21 years old, was allegedly attacked after being accused of stealing a player’s mobile phone during a friendly football match between Kansanga FC and the Kampala International University (KIU) football team.
According to eyewitnesses, Jimmy had been seated near the players’ bags, which had been placed along the touchline as the match progressed.
Trouble reportedly started when a kit manager for Kansanga FC discovered that one of the players’ phones was missing after checking the team’s belongings. Witnesses say the kit manager immediately accused Jimmy of taking the device.
The accusation quickly attracted the attention of spectators and other individuals at the grounds, who allegedly descended on the suspect and subjected him to a brutal beating.
Police officers attached to Kansanga-Nabutiti Police Post responded to the scene and rescued Jimmy from the mob before the situation escalated further.
Witnesses said officers fired two warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd and restore order.
“People must stop taking the law into their own hands because it can cost innocent lives. Such cases should always be handled by the police,” the officer said.
However, some individuals present at the scene questioned the accusation against Jimmy, claiming the missing phone may have been misplaced or that the allegations had not been properly verified. Police have not commented on those claims, and investigations remain ongoing.
Jimmy was rushed to Nsambya Hospital for emergency treatment. his condition had stabilized and that he was showing signs of improvement.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing concern over mob justice in Kampala and other parts of Uganda, where suspected offenders are often subjected to violence before investigations can be conducted.
Police had not yet issued an official statement on the incident by publication time.
This version follows a professional newspaper style, maintains neutrality, and avoids presenting unverified allegations as established facts.
