In a classical tale of the hunter being hunted, the Uganda Police Force have arrested and caged one of their own, over allegations of causing the death of innocent Ugandans by recklessly opening fire.
According to police spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga, two officers were arrested and one of them identified as PC Muhumuza Elisah, was charged with murder by the Directorate of CID in coordination with CID Kampala Metropolitan Police.
The case stems from a police – involved shooting a few weeks ago which claimed the life of a mother and also inflicted minor injuries on her 4-year-old son.
Enanga said in a statement that; “The facts gathered indicate that on the 28.09.2022 at around 4pm, at Bukasa trading centre, Bukasa parish, Wakiso sub-county in Wakiso district, two CT police officers attached to UNRA namely; PC Muhumuza Elisah and PC Akello Evaline, while on daily routine motorised patrol, aimed at the protection of road infrastructure, and while in the company of a UNRA Enforcement officer, took interest in an Isuzu Elf registration number UAJ 758D, that had parked at a roadside parking area. The truck was being driven by a one Tamale Twase Eriya, who was in the company of his wife, Nansereko Viola and their 4-year-old son, Kawuki Louis, a pupil at Hope Children Centre Temangalo.”
He added that; “The UNRA team followed the Isuzu truck, where it had parked and PC Akello Evaline, disembarked from their van a Toyota Hiace under registration number UBJ 885Q and moved towards the Isuzu Elf. Out of fear the driver Tamale Twase quickly drove off and brushed the police officer, who it is alleged fell down. Her colleague PC Muhumuza Elisah, fired several bullets towards the Elf truck causing injury to Nansereko on the right eye/side of the head. In addition, their 4-year-old son, Kawuki Louis, sustained minor injuries on the right arm. The female victim was rushed and admitted at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where she died on the 10.10.2022.”
The police spokesperson noted that; “It is so devastating that an innocent life was lost and two others threatened, by police officers who were supposed to ensure their safety. The death of the female victim and injury of their son has really impacted the family, friends and relatives. We acknowledge the impact of this tragedy, and do extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones.”
“Instead of pursuing the truck, the suspect fired several shots into the cabin of the truck, without any justification or act of provocation. We strongly condemn the act and also issue a very stern warning to all police officers, against shooting at moving vehicles, if they do not pose an imminent threat. We pledge to aggressively pursuing officers who are reckless and use excessive force in the course of their duties,” Enanga warned.
He revealed that after several weeks of perusal, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) determined that there was sufficient evidence to charge the suspect PC Muhumuza Elisah with murder, since the death was not justified or excused by self-defence.
However, his colleague PC Akello Evaline was not charged and released on bond.