Police in Rubanda District are investigating a brutal attack on one of their own, following an early morning ambush on Saturday, May 10, that left a police officer seriously injured.
The victim, 38-year-old Corporal Sebastian Saturday, a Scenes of Crime Officer attached to Rubanda Central Police Station, was ambushed by four unidentified men riding two motorcycles at Ihanga Trading Centre, Bubaare Sub-county, around 2:00 a.m., while returning from Kabale Town on his motorcycle, registration number UFZ 316X.
According to Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson ASP Elly Maate, the attackers were armed with pangas and attempted to rob the officer of his motorcycle.
“It is alleged that four men riding two motorcycles intercepted Cpl. Saturday and demanded his motorcycle. He attempted to escape by turning into a nearby home, but they followed him and hacked him several times on the head, arms, and shoulder,” Maate said in a statement.
The attackers reportedly fled the scene when area residents intervened. Good Samaritans rushed the wounded officer to Rugarama Hospital in Kabale for emergency treatment. His condition remains serious.
Police have since launched a manhunt and are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the perpetrators.
“Anyone with relevant information should come forward. These criminals must be brought to justice,” Maate urged.
The incident adds to a growing concern over violent crime in the region. According to the 2024 Police Annual Crime Report, Uganda records an average of 26 deaths daily due to murder and road accidents, with road crashes accounting for over half of the fatalities.
In reaction to the rising crime, Bishop Godfrey Mbitse of Muhabura Diocese and Kabale District Khadi Sheikh Kabu Lule cited unemployment, poverty, and poor upbringing as major contributors. Both leaders called for increased community sensitization and youth empowerment initiatives to address the root causes of criminal behavior.
