Mbarara City, Uganda — Police in Mbarara City South Division are holding two private security guards in connection with a shooting incident that left a local businessman critically injured on Easter Monday.
The suspects, a 17-year-old juvenile askari and his 22-year-old colleague, are both employed by LEGIT Security Company Ltd, based in Ibanda District. They are accused of attempting to murder Brian Barigye, a 32-year-old businessman and resident of Karugangama Cell, Katete Ward, in Mbarara City South Division.
According to preliminary police findings, the incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on April 20, 2025, at Barigye’s business premises. He was reportedly in the company of several people when the two suspects arrived—one of them visibly armed.
An altercation ensued, during which the armed suspect, identified as Nabimanya, allegedly fired a shot, hitting Barigye and leaving him seriously wounded. The victim was immediately rushed to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Following swift police action, the suspects were apprehended two days later, on April 22. The firearm believed to have been used in the shooting—bearing serial number UG.PSO 564211869-16588—was recovered from a third individual identified only as Derrick. The weapon, which still contained three live rounds, has since been secured as evidence.
Speaking on the matter, Rwizi Region Police spokesperson SP Samson Kasasira confirmed the arrests and recovery of the firearm.
“We have in our custody the two suspects involved in the shooting, and we have also recovered the firearm used in the attack. The case file has been submitted to the Resident State Attorney for further guidance and prosecution,” said SP Kasasira.
Police investigations are ongoing, particularly into how the suspects accessed the firearm and whether the attack was premeditated.
As the community reels from the incident, local leaders have called for stricter supervision and regulation of private security personnel operating in the region.
