IGP dispatches detectives to Obongi to probe shooting of police officer

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Inspector-General of Police –IGP Martin Okoth Ochola has dispatched a team of homicide detectives to investigate the shooting of a police officer in Moyo district.

Ian Natukunda, the Officer in charge Palorinya base camp police post in Obongi district was shot by a refugee identified as Abubakari on Saturday after he allegedly grabbed a gun from a female constable Scovia Masudio.

Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, said it was not yet clear how Abubakari accessed Masudio’s gun.

Natukunda was airlifted to Kampala and is currently admitted at Nakasero hospital.

Enanga said police was trying to find out whether there was any connection between Masudio and the suspect Abubakari.

Police have since cautioned all refugees to be very careful with the way they conduct themselves within camps. Enanga said refugees should know that once a crime is committed, they will be tried using Ugandan laws and courts.

“We condemn such acts. We would like to stress the importance of all refuges to abiding by laws of the country. This suspects we are charging with him in court. We plan to take all necessary measures [to deal any future violence]” Enanga said.

Abubakari has since been charged been with three offences that include attempted murder, violence and gun theft.

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