Mubende: Policeman shoots self dead

The police in Mubende have kicked off investigation into the circumstances under which one of their own committed suicide by shooting himself.

The deceased was identified as Atoo Agwayi James no. 50492 PC was attached to Mubende police station.

Preliminary findings show that on April 10 2022, Atoo returned from duty at around 10:00 am and went to his place of residence at Mubende police barracks for breakfast and personal administration.

However, at around 1:00 pm, gunshots were heard coming out of his residence which attracted the attention of officers who were in the barracks. They immediately rushed to his place only to find that the door was closed from inside, prompting them to break into the house.

Upon gaining entry, the officers found Atoo lying helpless but still breathing and they rushed him to Mubende referral hospital for medical attention where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Racheal Kawala, spokesperson Wamala police region, said in a statement that a team of officers led by the DPC Mubende visited, examined and documented the scene of the crime.

"The SMG rifle number Uganda police 565815228/ 34868, cartridges and ammunition have been recovered from the deceased’s house. The rifle was found lying on his chest with the safety catch open,” she said.

She said eight cartridge casings and six live ammunition were found scattered on his mattress.

The deceased’s body has since been handed over to Mubende hospital mortuary pending a postmortem.

"We would like to encourage our officers that in case of concerns/ challenges they should always speak up before it is too late. Investigations into this matter are ongoing to establish the probable cause of this incident," she said.