A Japanese infrastructure consultant who was attacked while stuck in a traffic jam in Uganda has tragically passed away, police have announced.
Okira Ito, who had been working with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to improve road junctions and alleviate traffic congestion, died after nearly three weeks in a coma at the China-Uganda Friendship Hospital in Naguru, Kampala.
Ito was assaulted by a gang of criminals at Centenary Park on September 8.
The criminals, some of whom were dressed in National Resistance Movement (NRM) t-shirts and were returning from an event, snatched his bag containing a laptop, two mobile phones, and an unspecified amount of money.
When he pursued them, the gang beat him up and fled the scene.
It was revealed that the attack occurred in an area not covered by police CCTV cameras. Ito’s chauffeur drove him to the hospital for treatment, and the police were notified of the incident, launching an investigation.
Nine suspects were arrested, and the police used private CCTV footage and call data analysis to identify the individuals present at the scene at the time.
The suspects were charged with aggravated robbery, and police are working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to amend the charges to include the murder of Ito.
The attack has raised concerns about the safety of foreign experts working in Uganda and could impact relationships with international funders.
The death of Ito led to a security operation against traffic jam-related crimes in Kampala.
Criminals in Kampala often operate in large groups and steal car parts, rob pedestrians, and attack individuals who attempt to stop them.
This incident is not an isolated case, as such attacks have been reported in the past, causing concern for the safety of both residents and foreign experts.