MUKONO – Mobile money agents in Mukono district have rejected a proposal by Police to hire private security guards to protect them saying they earn less from the business.
The proposal was raised in a meeting chaired by District Police Commander (DPC) Rogers Sseguya at the Mukono police station for mobile money agents in Mukono following the recent incidents where mobile money agents have been killed and their money taken.
According to Mr. Sseguya various complaints have been made by agents about the fear that grips them of losing their lives in their line of duty or go home.
In the meeting, Mr. Sseguya advised them to form groups and hire security guards to keep monitoring them at their workplaces.
“I advise you to form groups then hire security personnel to guard you while at work and also as you go back home,” he said.
He also urged them to consider banking the money instead of going home with it.
“After work I urge you to bank the money instead of going with it home for it puts your lives in danger.” He added
However, some of the mobile money agents claimed they earn little money which cannot enable them to hire security personnel.
Ms. Brenda Nabukwasi a mobile money agent in Mukono and also a survivor of the mobile money thugs said that these people know where they stay and the time they live work, however, she said that she cannot afford to pay for security guards.
“I was once robbed at the gate of my house. I surrendered the bag with 1.2 million cash in it. That’s when they left me. The idea is good, however; I cannot afford to hire a security guard to escort me home,” Ms. Nabukwasi said.
Mr. John Mukisa another mobile money agent cited that the working hours of banks do not favour them.
“Putting the money in the bank will slow our business because of banks close at 5 pm and open at around 9 am yet we close late in the night and open early in the morning to target the various customers,” Mr. Mukisa said.
“These banks charge you money for withdrawal and depositing every time you withdraw or deposit yet we don’t make that much.” He added.
However, Mr. Daniel Bawonga suggested that police should increase patrols in their communities.
Mr. Bawonga said: “Police should increase patrols in our communities to guard us since we go home late.”
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