A joint police and Uganda Revenue Authority investigation has commenced after an enforcement team opened fire on a vehicle along the Kampala–Jinja highway, injuring a man later found not to be involved in smuggling.
The incident occurred on April 26 at around 8:50pm, when a URA enforcement team reportedly began pursuing two Toyota Wish vehicles, registration numbers UBR 873G and UBP 571G, along the Kampala–Jinja highway on suspicion that they were involved in smuggling activities.
The enforcement team, traveling in a Toyota Fortuner, registration number UA20241AA, and allegedly moving at high speed, intercepted the two vehicles, which had by then parked at Igar petrol station.
According to reports, the officers fired shots that injured Joseph Tamale. A subsequent search of the vehicles’ boots reportedly revealed no smuggled goods.
Tamale was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, while occupants of one of the vehicles later reported a case of attempted murder at Mukono Police Division, recorded under SD Ref 66/26/04/26.
Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed that joint investigations between the police and URA had commenced.
He said police in Mukono had registered a case of attempted murder following the shooting incident.
“The victim, identified as Joseph Tamale, sustained injuries and was rushed to Nsambya Hospital, where he has since been treated and discharged,” Owoyesigyire said.
He added that the victim is expected to record a formal statement with police.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident involved occupants of motor vehicles travelling in the same direction, including enforcement officers,” he said.
Owoyesigyire said police and URA would investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the conduct of the officers involved in the altercation.
“Inquiries are ongoing, and further updates will be provided in due course.”