Police in Busoga East have confirmed the arrest of the Officer in Charge of Buwunga Police Station, Innocent Wagaba, following the fatal shooting of a civilian during an operation in Bugiri District.
The deceased has been identified as Alamanzani Mugoya, 33, a resident of Nambale Village in Buwunga Sub-county.
According to preliminary reports, Wagaba led a team of police officers in the early hours of Friday, at around 4:40 am, to arrest Nasiru Mugoya, the deceased’s brother, over alleged assault charges.
Mugoya is accused of forcefully taking chapati from a stall in Buwunga Trading Centre during last month’s Eid celebrations, assaulting the vendor, and going into hiding.
Police had reportedly summoned him to record a statement, but he declined, prompting the operation based on intelligence from local vigilantes. A resident, Bashir Magemeso, says the officers, who were in plain clothes, surrounded his home and began banging on doors without identifying themselves.
He says the presence of about six armed men in civilian attire caused panic among family members, who suspected they were robbers.
Magemeso adds that the officers proceeded to the boys’ quarters where his sons were staying, further heightening fear among occupants. He says he called neighbours for help, leading to a crowd gathering at the home.
Despite demands from residents for the officers to identify themselves, Magemeso says they declined and instead picked up Nasiru from his room. Another resident, Amina Kibombo, says tensions escalated as locals demanded the release of the suspect, resulting in a heated confrontation.
She says some residents began pelting stones at the officers, who responded by firing live bullets to disperse the crowd. During the chaos, which reportedly lasted over 20 minutes, Alamanzani Mugoya was shot in the upper chest and later died from his injuries.
Busoga East Police Spokesperson Michael Kasadha confirmed the arrest of Wagaba and Corporal Stephen Okwalinga, both attached to Buwunga Police Station.
Kasadha says investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are currently detained at Bugiri Central Police Station pending further action. URN