Police in Hoima City are searching for a security guard affiliated with SWAT who allegedly fatally shot a man suspected of fuel theft from a generator.
Albertine Police region spokesperson Julius Hakiza identified the suspect as Jamal Tumusiime, who reportedly fled after the shooting incident.
The shooting occurred at the American Towers Corporation (ATC) mast in Busisi East cell, Hoima East division in Hoima City on Wednesday night.
After the shooting, the guard informed his supervisor, Peter Akora, who subsequently alerted the Police. The deceased’s body was transported to Hoima Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Hakiza stated that the investigation into the matter has commenced. The gun suspected to have been used in the shooting was recovered at the scene by the Police.
According to Busiisi East cell LC1 chairperson Godfrey Mbabazi, the incident transpired when four unidentified individuals attempted to siphon fuel from the telecom mast. One of the suspects was shot and killed as he entered the room containing the fuel tank.
Peter Akora, the area supervisor of ATC, disclosed that the company frequently experiences fuel theft incidents. He noted that a guard on patrol witnessed the suspected thief attempting to access the fuel tank, prompting the guard to take action.