KAMPALA| A private security guard, John Bosco Bakya, took his own life on Friday after losing a motorcycle he was paid to protect, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to eyewitnesses, Bakya and his colleague, Siliwan Apeti, were tasked with guarding the motorcycle overnight at a fuel station in Kinyarwanda village. When the bike went missing, Bakya became distraught, fearing financial liability and potential arrest.
“He was so worried about being held responsible for the lost motorcycle. He kept saying he would be arrested and made to pay for the bike,” Apeti said.
Despite Apeti’s attempts to calm him down, Bakya shot himself dead shortly after.
The police are investigating the incident, with a focus on Apeti and the motorcycle owner, to determine if foul play was involved.
“We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of John Bosco Bakya. We want to establish whether it was a desperate act or if there was foul play,” said Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy spokesperson for Kampala metropolitan police.
Owoyesigyire noted that Bakya should have reported the loss to his superiors or the police, which could have led to a search for the motorcycle.
“He rushed to end his life. It took him only two hours after he realized the motorcycle had been stolen. If he had reported the incident, we could have launched a search for the bike and possibly prevented this tragic incident,” Owoyesigyire said.
The incident has left the community in shock, highlighting the pressures and risks faced by security guards, who often bear significant responsibilities with limited support.
“We urge security guards to report any incidents to their superiors or the police. We are here to support them and ensure their safety,” Owoyesigyire added.
