BAR OWNER JAMES GILBERTSON VICIOUSLY ATTACKED IN SAFARIS ROBBERY, UNDERGOES EMERGENCY JAW SURGERY
KAMPALA, Uganda – In a harrowing ordeal that has sent shockwaves through the local hospitality community, Safari’s Bar owner James Gilbertson is recovering after a brutal early-morning attack and robbery at his establishment.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, August 17th. Gilbertson, who had just closed the bar for the night, was sitting watching television at approximately 2:00 AM when he was struck from behind on the head with a metal bar.
The assault rendered him unconscious. According to Gilbertson, the assailants then placed a rope noose around his neck and dragged him to his private quarters, which also house the bar’s safe. Once inside, the attackers emptied the safe, making off with approximately 8 million Ugandan Shillings (exact figure pending confirmation). Including additional stolen belongings, the total estimated value of the theft is placed at 30 million UGX.
The violence did not end there. Gilbertson was left for dead on his bed, suffering from several stab wounds to the head and three fractures to his jaw resulting from the crowbar attack.
Emergency services rushed him to the hospital, where he underwent a six-hour jaw operation on Tuesday night. Defying medical advice, Gilbertson signed himself out of the hospital on Thursday to return to Safari’s Bar, where he is currently recovering and overseeing operations.
In a statement to TheBriefPost, Gilbertson expressed his gratitude to the community, saying, “We are back open for business, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their moral support and also their much-needed financial support, which seems to have covered most of the medical bills.”
He is currently finalizing ongoing security plans, which include the implementation of “Amed Security” to prevent future incidents.
Gilbertson has also cautioned that photos of his injuries are graphic and “not exactly the best to look at.”
Police are reportedly investigating the attack, though no arrests have been announced at this time. Despite the trauma, Safari’s Bar remains open, with Gilbertson vowing to push forward.
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