(Mbale) – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed the arrest of a man accused of assaulting a Special Forces Command (SFC) officer during a confrontation on Thursday, November 22, 2024. The incident, which occurred at Nakaloke trading center near Mbale, happened as the soldier was directing traffic to clear the way for President Yoweri Museveni’s convoy.
The arrested individual, identified as Shaban Wesemoyo, is reportedly a revenue collector at a boda boda stage in the area. The soldier was stationed to ensure smooth traffic flow as the presidential convoy traveled from Soroti to Tororo for the commissioning of the Standard Gauge Railway.
A video of the incident went viral, capturing the altercation between the armed SFC officer and Wesemoyo. The footage showed the two engaged in a heated exchange, which escalated into a physical scuffle.
UPDF Deputy Spokesperson, Colonel Deo Akiiki, confirmed the arrest, emphasizing the seriousness of obstructing presidential security and attacking a security officer on duty. “He was arrested for obstructing the president’s security and attacking a security personnel on duty. He will face charges,” said Col. Akiiki.
The UPDF also issued a warning to the public, urging compliance with directives from security personnel, particularly during the movement of high-profile convoys. “Security personnel are deployed to ensure the safe and smooth movement of the presidential convoy. Acts of obstruction or misconduct undermine these efforts and will not be tolerated,” Akiiki added.
The photograph of Wesemoyo, shared by SFC on Friday, confirmed his detention. The UPDF stated that investigations are ongoing, and Wesemoyo will soon be charged in court.
Key Details of the Incident
| Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | November 22, 2024 |
| Location | Nakaloke trading center, Mbale |
| Accused | Shaban Wesemoyo |
| Victim | SFC soldier on presidential convoy duty |
| Alleged Offenses | Assault, obstruction of security operations |
| Convoy Purpose | President Museveni’s travel to Tororo |
The altercation has sparked online discussions, with some questioning the conduct of both the soldier and the accused. However, security agencies have reiterated the need for public cooperation during such critical operations.
Wesemoyo remains in custody, and officials have warned that any similar incidents involving security personnel will be met with swift action.
The officer deserves a promotion for the act of bravery but the civilian man should be considered to join the army if he qualifies according to his age so that he appreciates the relevance attached to presidential protection.
This level of discipline and self-restraint on the part of the security personnel is highly commendable. I can see that the levelling of the rifle was the last resort on part of the solidier, even under intense provocation. I now believe that some people are indeed mad. I can not fathom the kind of recklessness exhibited by this civilian to attack an armed solidier on official duty