Two police officers in Bugiri District have been arrested to assist with investigations into a fatal shooting that left a 33-year-old man dead during an early morning operation.
According to Busoga East Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha , the incident occurred at approximately 4:40 a.m. in Nambale Village, Nambale Parish, Buwunga Sub-county.
The deceased has been identified as Alamanzani Mugoya, a resident of the area.
Police confirmed that the arrested officers are ASP Innocent Wagaba, the Officer-in-Charge of Buwunga Police Station, and Cpl Stephen Okwalinga, both attached to the same station.
Preliminary findings indicate that the officers had gone to arrest another individual, Nasiru Mugoya, on allegations of assault. However, during the arrest, the suspect reportedly raised an alarm, drawing the attention of relatives and nearby residents.
Authorities say the situation quickly escalated when a group allegedly confronted the officers with pangas, sticks, and stones in an apparent attempt to prevent the arrest.
“In response to the threat posed by the hostile group, the officers allegedly discharged bullets to disperse the mob for their safety,” the police statement noted.
During the confrontation, Alamanzani Mugoya was fatally shot.
A team of detectives has since visited and documented the scene, recovering evidence deemed crucial for the investigation. The deceased’s body was transported to Bugiri Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Police emphasized that the arrests of the two officers are part of ongoing efforts to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting and determine accountability.
“The investigations are ongoing to establish more facts regarding the incident,” ASP Kasadha stated.
The incident has raised concerns among residents about the use of force during police operations, with authorities now under pressure to ensure transparency and justice as inquiries continue.