A young man has died following a violent mob attack outside Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) in Ntinda, Kampala, in an incident that has raised fresh concerns about mob justice and public safety.
According to witness accounts, the victim had visited the bank on Monday to withdraw money.
After completing his transaction, a dispute reportedly arose when a bank manager accused him of having previously obtained money through fraudulent means months earlier.
The manager is said to have instructed security personnel to prevent the man from leaving the premises.
As the situation escalated, the man allegedly attempted to exit the bank, triggering a confrontation at the entrance.
It was at this point that boda boda riders operating nearby reportedly misinterpreted the scene, suspecting a robbery attempt.
Within moments, a crowd formed and descended on the man, subjecting him to a severe beating.
Witnesses say several customers inside the bank intervened and managed to rescue the victim from the mob.
He was taken back into the banking hall as efforts were made to calm the situation. Police were later called to the scene and arrived shortly after.
However, the man’s condition had significantly deteriorated. He succumbed to his injuries before he could be transported to a police station to record a statement, according to preliminary reports.
The incident has sparked renewed debate over the dangers of mob justice, a recurring issue in urban centres where suspicion and misinformation often trigger violent reactions.
In many such cases, individuals accused of wrongdoing are attacked without verification or due process.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the incident or confirming whether any arrests have been made. The bank has also not publicly commented on the matter.