The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Madi Okollo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for an independent investigation into a shooting incident involving Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF soldiers attached to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement team. The incident resulted in the death of one person and left four others injured in Madi Okollo district.
On Wednesday last week, URA enforcement officers, engaged in impounding unregistered motorcycles at Okollo Town Council, reportedly fired shots when residents began throwing stones in an attempt to stop the operation. Moses Atria, a resident of Pamachi village, Adraa Parish Offaka Sub-county, succumbed to a gunshot injury at Nebbi General Hospital. Additionally, Patience Atizuyo, Derick Opari, and Jovan sustained injuries during the incident.
The President’s decision was prompted by concerns raised by leaders in the West Nile sub-region regarding what they perceive as excessive and lethal use of force by URA enforcement teams on unarmed civilians, leading to the loss of innocent lives.
Joanne Aniku, the Madi Okollo district Woman Member of Parliament and Vice Chairperson of the West Nile parliamentary caucus, revealed that Museveni appointed Susan Kasingye, the Commissioner of Police, to conduct an independent investigation. Aniku clarified that this special investigation, initiated by the President, does not interfere with the ongoing probes by the police and other agencies.
Swaib Toko, the Madi Okollo Resident District Commissioner, urged residents, particularly those at Okollo Town Council where the incident occurred, to cooperate with the investigations for a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Toko also appealed for calm during the investigation process, aiming for a lasting resolution to the conflicts between URA enforcement officers and residents.
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