Mohammed Kitaka, a driver accused of shooting at a moving taxi and injuring a 12-year-old boy, has been apprehended by authorities. The incident occurred on the night of December 31, 2024, in Kyebando, Kawempe Division.
The young victim, Edrine Babalanda, was seated beside his father, Moses Babalanda, when the shots were fired. According to Robert Nsubuga, the taxi driver, Kitaka, driving a Toyota Harrier with registration number UBQ 699B, fired two bullets into the vehicle around 9:25 p.m.
“I stopped the taxi and confronted him, asking why he had fired at us,” Nsubuga recounted. “He claimed he was shooting at thieves who he thought were targeting him. When I informed him that he had injured one of my passengers, he sped off to an unknown destination.”
The injured boy was initially rushed to a nearby clinic before being transferred to Mulago Hospital for further treatment. Nsubuga reported the incident to Kanyanya Police Station, prompting a coordinated operation by security agencies. Using CCTV footage, authorities were able to track down and arrest Kitaka on Friday.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed Kitaka’s arrest and revealed that charges of attempted murder have been filed against him. “The suspect fled the scene without rendering assistance or reporting the incident, which aggravates his actions,” Onyango stated.
The arrest brings some relief to the victim’s family and the wider community, who had expressed outrage over the reckless behavior. Police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice is served and warned against such acts of lawlessness.