UNRA enforcement officers detained for allegedly shooting at civilians

Wakiso, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Two police officers have been arrested to help with investigations into the shooting in Bukasa, Wakiso district that left one woman severely injured.

Those arrested are Erisa Muhumuza and Evelyne Akello, both police officers attached to the Uganda National Roads Authority-UNRA enforcement team.

Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire confirmed the arrest of the two police officers saying that investigations into the alleged shooting have commenced.

It is alleged that on Wednesday evening, while on UNRA operations, they pursued a motor vehicle belonging to one Eria Twase and that in the pursuit, they discharged bullets. Owoyesigire said that the shooting led to injury of one person identified as Violet Nansereko who was rushed to Mulago hospital and currently undergoing treatment.

According to Owoyesigire, preliminary investigations have revealed that the shooting was done by police officer Muhumuza but more details shall be provided later. He said that the police have also impounded a motor vehicle that was being used by the enforcement team from UNRA.

The arrest of Muhumuza and Akello followed rioting by residents of Bukasa over the shooting, which prompted the intervention of the Police from Wakiso under the District commander, Tai Ramathan which quelled the demonstration.

The Police with the help of the army was forced to shoot in the air to disperse the angry mob that had sought to punish the accused police officers. Upon quelling the riot, the police led by a section of angry residents inspected the shot vehicle and the entire crime scene.

They demanded for justice and have the suspected shooters handled according to the law.

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