Four individuals, including a young girl, were severely injured by gunshots fired by UPDF soldiers serving as the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement team in a troubling incident in West Nile. The incident occurred during an operation to impound numberless motorcycles in Okollo Town Council, Madi Okollo District. Eyewitnesses claim that the URA enforcers opened fire indiscriminately, injuring three individuals in the leg and one in the stomach.
Patrick Atiku, the Ogoko Sub-county councilor, stated that there was no resistance from the locals during the impoundment operation. He alleged that the enforcers began firing bullets after a stone landed on the roadside. Despite no apparent threat, innocent bystanders, including two barbers and a young girl, became victims of the gunfire.
Atiku, who claimed to have narrowly survived being targeted, accused the enforcers of firing without provocation. The injured individuals were rushed to Nebbi Hospital for treatment.
URA’s Northern Uganda manager, Simon Tumwesigye, acknowledged the incident and indicated that a comprehensive response would be issued soon. He mentioned that the police had also initiated an investigation into the matter.
This latest clash between URA enforcers and civilians adds to a series of incidents where the tax collection agency has faced criticism for its approach during operations. The URA has been previously accused of using excessive force, leading to injuries and fatalities, triggering public outrage and confrontations.
