IGP condemns killing of policeman at roadblock in Luwero

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Inspector General of Police Martin Okoth Ochola has condemned the brutal killing of a policeman and injury of another in an attack at a roadblock in Luwero district along the Kampala-Gulu highway.

On Monday at around 12.30pm, assailants armed with machetes emerged from both sides of the checkpoint and attacked the two field force officers who were providing security to traffic officers at the roadblock located at Kiwumpa village, five kilometers to Luwero town council.

According to police, the assailants cut Police Constable Josephat Twinamatsiko on the head and face, while PC Ronald Busingye was cut on the back before they robbed two guns from them. PC Ronald Busingye died on the way to Luwero hospital.

The assailants proceeded and set fire using petrol, to a parked lorry Fuso box body UAR 301Z which got a mechanical problem and was undergoing repairs.

The assailants later escaped from the scene and jumped into a waiting getaway vehicle which they had reportedly left near Kiwumpa Church of Uganda primary school and thereafter fled the area.

In a statement issued by Fred Enanga, the Spokesperson of the Police Force, the IGP Martin Okoth Ochola has condemned what he called the senseless act of violent attack against policemen.

Enanga said that at this stage, the motivation for the violent attack and murder is not yet established, although it appears the assailants targeted guns for robbery.

He added that the tragic incident is a stark reminder of the hazards police officers face, in their efforts to protect the public and keep citizens safe.

“The IGP has extended his deepest condolences to the family, friends, relatives and workmates of the late PC Busingye Ronald. We do honor PC Busingye for his ultimate sacrifice while serving the community in Luwero and the country at large, ” said Enanga. The statement further indicates that PC Twinamatsiko has been transferred to Kampala from Luwero hospital for better treatment.

“We want to assure the public that we have reinforced our teams in Luwero to help identify and apprehend the suspects involved in the brutal attack,“ said Enanga. The other two traffic officers who were not armed were not targeted in the attack and they escaped from the scene unhurt.

Police and Uganda People Defense Forces have been deployed in Kiwumpa village and other nearby villages to hunt for the killers.

By the time of compiling the report, no suspect had been arrested over the attack. The attack happened two weeks after three assailants shot dead the former acting Bukwo Chief Administrative Robert Charles Ogwang at Kiryowa village a few kilometers after Matugga along the Kampala-Gulu highway.

The assailants shot the fuel tank of the deceased’s vehicle thus setting it ablaze.

So far, seven suspects have been arrested in connection to Ogwang’s murder.

Before the shooting of Ogwang, travelers had raised the alarm about the men in uniform that stage fake roadblocks and rob them along Kampala-Gulu highway.

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