Last week, the police faced two violent incidents while performing their lawful duties in Ayivu East Division and Kakumiro. Sadly, these confrontations resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The Uganda Police Force (UPF) remains dedicated to upholding the rule of law and protecting all law-abiding citizens. Attacks on police officers are seen as attacks on the rule of law and the country itself.
The first incident occurred on May 21, 2024, at around 8 pm. Police officers from Ayivu East Central Police Station (CPS) responded to a mob action in Agorovu “A” cell. The mob was made up of in-laws of Christopher Ondoma, who accused him of bewitching his wife, leading to her death during childbirth at Arua Referral Hospital. The angry in-laws, armed with stones, clubs, and pangas (machetes), attacked Ondoma’s home, causing damage and destroying property. When the police officers arrived to calm the situation, the mob turned against them, throwing stones and injuring the officers. In the chaos, the officers fired a few bullets to scare the mob. Unfortunately, three individuals were injured by stray bullets and were taken to Arua City Referral Hospital. These victims included Candiru Margret, Driciru Milika (22 years old), and Anguko Patrick (11 years old). Sadly, Candiru Margret died from her injuries.
In a separate incident, the territorial police in the Albertine region and Kakumiro CPS are investigating a violent obstruction that led to the fatal wounding of Isaac Kanshaba, a 43-year-old peasant from Kaikara North. On May 23, 2024, at around 7:30 am, officers responded to a domestic violence case where Kanshaba was armed with a panga and threatening his wife, Vastina Wamahoro. The violent husband was also damaging property within their home.
The officers called for reinforcement, causing Kanshaba to storm out of the house with an axe, threatening to injure the officers, the local council (LCI) Chairperson, and other community members. The police fired several shots to scare Kanshaba, but he continued advancing. He was shot in the leg while attacking Officer Bruno Tambani, who had fallen. Kanshaba later died from his injuries.
The two police officers involved in these incidents are being investigated for alleged use of excessive force or self-defense. While these investigations continue, the police emphasize that ongoing acts of resistance, obstruction, and attacks on officers performing their lawful duties are unacceptable. The UPF urges the public to cooperate with the police and adhere to the law.
